Journalism of Courage
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, New Zealand in Sri Lanka 2 Test Series 2019, 1st Test - Live Commentary and Ball by Ball Updates
02
nd Innings
Sri Lanka
It is now probably a one innings showdown! If New Zealand bat well and get somewhere close to 250, they will be favourites but it will not be easy to do so. Sri Lanka on the other hand, will not want to chase a lot in the 4th innings for which they will need to keep picking wickets at regular intervals. For now, there is around 50 minutes for Lunch and the hosts will hope to take a couple before that. Another interesting passage awaits ahead. Stay tuned.
At one stage, it never looked like they would go into the lead when they were 161 for 7 after Ajaz Patel, who was easily the pick of the bowlers ran through the Sri Lankan batting line up but then came the fight back from Dickwella and Lakmal. The two added an 81-run stand and took the hosts close to New Zealand's total. Lakmal was dismissed in the 40s but Dickwella continued. He got to a half ton but could not score a lot after that as Somerville got him and the last wicket.
After a decent finish for Sri Lanka yesterday evening, they have managed to have a decent morning today as well. They have managed to add 40 runs which means they have taken a lead. It is a slender one but any kind of lead could be handy.
93.2
W
William Somerville to Lasith Embuldeniya, OUT! Three reds and there is the last wicket! Somerville gets it. It was a review in hope by the batter as it always looked out. A loopy delivery on the middle stump, Lasith Embuldeniya attempts to sweep but misses the ball and gets hit on the pads. The Kiwis go in for a loud appeal and the umpire has no hesitation in giving it out. Embuldeniya goes for the review in desperation. The replays roll in and the Hawk Eye shows that it was hitting the stumps. SRI LANKA ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 267! THEY LEAD BY 18!
Embuldeniya is a goner! He has reviewed though but don't think it would make a difference.
93.1
0
William Somerville to Lasith Embuldeniya, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Embuldeniya pushes it to cover.
93
over
93 | 5 Runs | HH: 267/9
92.6
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Kumara, Bowls a yorker on middle, Kumara manages to dig it out.
92.5
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Kumara, Bowls a yorker on off, Kumara does well to dig it out.
92.4
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Kumara, Bowls a bouncer, Kumara does well to duck under it.
92.3
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Kumara, Good length delivery on off, Kumara blocks it off the back foot.
Out comes the physio. Time for the concussion test and also the helmets will be changed. Good thing is Embuldeniya seems fine.
92.2
1
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, On a good length and outside off, Embuldeniya looks to go big but gets a top edge. It goes towards third man where the fielder collects the ball in one bounce. The batsmen cross ends. Lasith Embuldeniya looks in pain as he got hit on the helmet in the previous ball.
92.1
4
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, FOUR! Very handy runs for Sri Lanka. Boult bowls a short delivery, Embuldeniya looks to pull but it goes off the helmet towards fine leg for a boundary. The umpire feels there is bat involved and he gives it as a boundary.
92
over
92 | 0 Runs | HH: 262/9
91.6
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Kumara, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Lahiru blocks it out off the front foot towards the off side. Good over from Somerville. A wicket and no runs from it.
91.5
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Kumara, Flatter delivery on the off stump, Lahiru defends it towards the cover fielder.
91.4
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Kumara, Shorter in length this time, LK defends it to the off side.
91.3
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Kumara, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Lahiru lets it go.
91.2
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Kumara, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Lahiru blocks it out.
Lahiru Kumara is the last man in.
91.1
W
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, OUT! Straight to the man! The last recognized batter for Sri Lanka is making his way back. He has done a fine, fine job though. Clever bowling this by Somerville. He sees Dickwella come down the track and floats it wide outside off. Dickwella has to reach for it, he does so, hits it nicely but does not keep it down and straight to Williamson at short cover who takes a good catch. With Dickwella gone now, one would believe the lead won't be a very threatening one. For now it is 13. A wicket to go though.
91
over
91 | 5 Runs | HH: 262/8
90.6
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Very full delivery aimed at the middle stump, Lasith does well to keep it out and gets through another over.
DRINKS BREAK!
Now Embuldeniya is in pain. The good thing for Sri Lanka is it is not his bowling arm which he is struggling with at the moment. The physio is out once again with the spray.
90.5
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, NASTY! Short ball aimed at the body. Embuldeniya uncomfortably fends at it but gets hit flush on the gloves. Embuldeniya looks in serious pain here and has removed his gloves off.
90.4
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery this time on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it to wide mid off and takes a single. Embuldeniya has to face two balls in the over.
90.3
4
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Good shot from Niroshan. He is going on his merry way here. It was as short delivery on the body, Dickwella rocks back and pulls it towards the fine leg fielder for a boundary. Excellent batting from Dickwella. The lead is above 10 now.
90.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off stump, Dickwella flicks it towards the leg side and once again does not take a single.
90.1
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle pole, Dickwella pushes it towards mid off and refuses to take a single.
90
over
90 | 5 Runs | HH: 257/8
89.6
0
William Somerville to Lasith Embuldeniya, A waste of a delivery! This is fired outside off, the batter lets it be.
89.5
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Takes the single which means Embuldeniya has one ball to play out. This is tossed up on off, Dickwella pushes it through covers for one.
89.4
2
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
89.3
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
89.2
2
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Nicely played! Dickwella comes down the track and also stays leg side of the delivery, he hits it wide of long off for two.
89.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Floats it up on off, Dickwella keeps it out.
William Somerville is on now!
89
over
89 | 1 Runs | HH: 252/8
88.6
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Good length delivery on the off stump, Embuldeniya defends it towards the off side. Embuldeniya has managed to survive the two balls.
88.5
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, NOT OUT! It is going down leg! New Zealand lose their last review. Boult bowls this full and on the pads, Embuldeniya looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. After a chat, Williamson signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and they show that the ball is going down leg.
An LBW shout has been turned down and New Zealand review. It seems to be going down with the angle.
88.4
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it to cover and takes a single. Embuldeniya now has to face two balls to survive.
88.3
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter in length this time, Dickwella leaves it alone to the keeper.
88.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, On a good length ball on the middle stump, Dickwella defends it off the back foot towards the leg side.
88.1
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery on the pads, Dickwella flicks it towards square leg and refuses the single.
88
over
88 | 1 Runs | HH: 251/8
87.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Lasith Embuldeniya, Plays the two balls out nicely! On off and it is flatter. Embuldeniya keeps it out.
87.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Lasith Embuldeniya, Very full on off, the batter pushes it to mid off.
87.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, A single now as this is worked with the turn through square leg. Fifty for him, an excellent comeback into the side. 12th in this format. He came out to bat when Sri Lanka were in trouble and now has taken them into a good position. He is still not done though.
87.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Outside off, Dickwella pads it away.
87.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Another tossed up ball on middle, it is kept out.
87.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Floats it up on off, Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.
87
over
87 | 3 Runs | HH: 250/8
86.6
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Excellent delivery from Boult. It was a short delivery on the off pole. Embuldeniya looks uncomfortable fending at it and the ball just whizzes past the bat. The bowler and the keeper think that it was out and put in a huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. The Kiwis think about a review but opt against it and rightly so, as the replays show that the ball had hit the shoulder rather than the bat.
86.5
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Embuldeniya gets an inside edge towards fine leg. A single is not taken.
86.4
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it towards mid-wicket and this time takes a single. 250 up for the hosts.
86.3
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, This is way too short outside off, Dickwella lets it be.
86.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, On a good length ball on the pads, Dickwella guides it to fine leg but refuses the single.
86.1
2
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket and calls Embuldeniya for a quick double. Scores level
86
over
86 | 5 Runs | HH: 247/8
85.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Lasith Embuldeniya, Flighted delivery on middle, Embuldeniya looks to defend but again gets hit on the thigh pad.
85.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Lasith Embuldeniya, Tossed up on middle, Embuldeniya looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
85.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, NOT OUT! Indeed Dickwella is in. Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket and goes for a quick single. Kane Williamson at mid-wicket throws the ball to the keeper and he whips the bails off in a flash. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that Dickwella was comfortably in. A direct hit would have got Dickwella in trouble.
A run out appeal has been taken upstairs but the batter seems to be in.
85.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on off, Dickwella looks to play the reverse sweep but misses it and gets hit on the glove.
85.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, Dickwella blocks it off the front foot.
85.1
4
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Very good shot from Niroshan Dickwella. Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella comes down the track and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
85
over
85 | 1 Runs | HH: 242/8
84.6
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Another beauty to end! This is on off and it shapes away. Embuldeniya looks to defend but is beaten by the movement.
84.5
0
Trent Boult to Lasith Embuldeniya, Beautiful delivery from Boult. It was a full delivery outside the off stump. Embuldeniya attempts to defend but misses due to the swing on it.
Lasith Embuldeniya is the new batsman in.
84.4
W
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, OUT! Chops it on! Suranga Lakmal's handy, handy innings comes to an end. He has really done a fine job with the bat. He was probably shaken up after being hit on the elbow. Coming to the ball now, it is a back of a length delivery on the off stump, Lakmal goes for a wild hoick but gets an inside edge back to the off stump. An excellent partnership of 81 runs comes to an end. Sri Lanka trail by 7.
84.3
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, Another short delivery from Trent, Lakmal plays this comfortably towards cover.
The physio is out in the middle to have a look. The spray is out.
84.2
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, OUCH! Banged in by Boult, aimed at the body. Lakmal attempts to flick it but misses and gets hit flush on the elbow. Suranga is in pain while the ball goes towards point.
84.1
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Short delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella guides it to third man for a single
84
over
84 | 2 Runs | HH: 241/7
83.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Beaten again! Patel gives it a lot of air this time and lands it outside off, Lakmal goes hard after it but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge.
83.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, BEATEN! This lands on off and then turns away. Lakmal plays the original trajectory but is beaten.
83.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flatter and on off, it comes off slow of the surface and also turns away. Lakmal looks to defend but the ball hits the higher part of the bat but lands safe on the off side.
83.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the middle pole, Lakmal defends it out.
83.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Dickwella works this one with the turn through square leg for one.
83.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Another very good shot by Lakmal! This is shorter and outside off, Lakmal slaps it through covers for one. The deficit is below 10 now.
83
over
83 | 7 Runs | HH: 239/7
82.6
1
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, Boult bowls it down the leg side, Lakmal looks to flick but misses it. It goes towards the keeper who fails to collect the ball and it goes past him. The batsmen take a run. The umprie gives it as a bye.
82.5
6
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, SIX! Top edge but it goes all the way! That was with the wind and hence, it carried over. This stand continues to Frustrate New Zealand. Boult goes short and on middle, Lakmal looks to pull it but the ball hits the top edge and clears the fine leg fence.
82.4
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, Good length delivery on the off pole, Lakmal attempts to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards mid on.
82.3
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Lakmal looks to cut but misses it due to the seam movement on this one.
82.2
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, Good length delivery outside off, Lakmal shoulders his arms to this one.
82.1
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, On a good length on middle, Lakmal flicks it to square leg.
82
over
82 | 5 Runs | HH: 232/7
81.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on middle stump, Dickwella goes for his trademark sweep and the ball goes towards fine leg. Lakmal will be on strike for the next over.
81.5
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, A single now as that fielder has been pushed back! Floats it up on off, Lakmal pushes it through covers for one.
81.4
4
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, FOUR! First boundary of the day for the hosts. Shorter in length this time outside the off pole. Lakmal rocks back and slaps it hard and this time it goes past the cover fielder for a boundary. The trail is now below 20.
81.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Beautiful delivery! Flighted delivery on off stump and it spins away from Suranga. The batsman tries to defend but gets beaten due to the spin.
81.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Shorter in length this time, Lakmal rocks back and cuts it straight to the cover fielder.
81.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the middle, Lakmal blocks it out.
Ajaz Patel to bowl from the other end.
81
over
81 | 0 Runs | HH: 227/7
80.6
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, A good nut to end! A maiden to begin with by Boult. This is on a length again and around off, shapes away once again. Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to gully.
80.5
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length ball on the middle pole, ND plays it back to the bowler.
80.4
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Loses his line this time does Boult. This one is bowled down the leg side and Niroshan attempts to flick but does not get any bat on it.
80.3
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella attempts to fend at it but misses it completely.
80.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it off the back foot towards cover.
Boult has some issue with the landing area. Some saw dust being sprayed on that area.
80.1
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, A chance of a run but Dickwella does not take it. This is on a length and around off, the ball shapes away a touch. Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards deep point. Lakmal wants a run and he is halfway down the track but Dickwella sends him back.
We are all set to begin Day 3. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Niroshan Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal will resume their innings. Trent Boult will start the proceedings for Day 3. Also, the new ball has been taken.
Pitch report - Kyle Mills is out there for the Pitch report and he says that there is a little bit of grass on the wicket which is unusual in Galle. He further states that there will be help for the faster bowlers as the new ball is due.
A warm welcome to Day 3 of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Galle. The game is evenly poised at the moment with the hosts trailing by another 22 runs with three wickets in hand. The current pair batting out there are amidst a decent stand and Sri Lanka would hope for them to continue and also the batters to come in to contribute and help them take any sort of a lead. On the other hand, New Zealand would look to bundle out the Sri Lankan innings as quickly as possible. The weather forecast ain't that great for today but for now, there is no rain. An important first hour of cricket awaits.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
So we are done with Day 2 of this first Test and we still do not know who is on top of this game. A very crucial Day 3 awaits us as we might get a clear favorite. Join us on Friday, i.e., 16th August, 2019 at 0945 Local (0415 GMT) for the coverage of Day 3. The weather forecast looks dodgy but let us hope we have a full day's play as we had on Day 2. Join us for the coverage of Day 3, till then cheers!
As for New Zealand's bowling, Ajaz Patel was the star, picking up 5 out of the 7 to have fallen in this innings. Boult and Somerville were the other two who got into the wickets column. Williamson though will be disappointed that his bowlers could not break the Dickwella-Lakmal stand.
From 143/2 Sri Lanka found themselves at 161/7. It looked like it was all done and they would struggle to get to even 200. But Lakmal and Dickwella had other ideas. They joined hands and decided that they will not go down without a fight. The two have added 66-runs and have reduced the deficit to just 22 now and will now look to overtake the deficit now.
What a fight from Lakmal and Dickwella! An even day of Test cricket. After bundling out New Zealand for 249 earlier in the day courtesy of Lakmal, who scalped 4 wickets today. Sri Lanka started off steadily. They lost two wickets for 66 runs but Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews then steadied the ship and stitched together a 77-run stand, with Mendis registering his 10th Test fifty. He though did not last long after that and departed soon after registering his milestone. Perera too vanished quickly and just like Mendis, Mathews followed suite after getting to his 50.
80
over
80 | 1 Runs | HH: 227/7
79.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, Lakmal sees the day off. Looped up delivery on off, Suranga keeps it out to get through the day with no more further damage. STUMPS ON DAY 2.
79.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal defends it off the front foot.
79.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, Dickwella strokes it towards mid on for one.
79.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella blocks it towards cover.
79.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, On the pads, Niroshan flicks it to mid-wicket.
79.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella leaves it alone.
79
over
79 | 3 Runs | HH: 226/7
78.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
78.5
2
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, In the air but safe! Tossed up on off, Lakmal throws his bat at it. He gets a top edge on it. It flies right over the bowler's head. Raval runs in from mid on and Santner comes running in from mid off. Santner shouts mine, he puts a good dive but the ball falls agonisingly wide of Santner. Brilliant effort from the left-arm spinner.
78.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Suranga has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
78.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal defends it off the front foot.
78.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flights one on off, Lakmal keeps it out.
78.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella comes down the track and strokes it to long on for one.
78
over
78 | 3 Runs | HH: 223/7
77.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, Floated on off, SL defends it off the front foot.
77.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Slowly loops it up on middle, Dickwella milks it to long on for a single.
77.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella plays a classic front foot defense.
77.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it towards cover with soft hands and gets a single.
77.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, Floated outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
77.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter on off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it to third man for a single.
77
over
77 | 3 Runs | HH: 220/7
76.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Looped up ball on the off stump, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler.
76.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
76.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Niroshan goes for another sweep but this time towards fine leg and take another single.
76.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Another loopy delivery on the middle, Dickwella comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket.
76.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Loopy delivery on middle, Lakmal comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on for a single.
76.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flatter delivery on middle stump, Dickwella plays another sweep towards mid-wicket and cross over for a single.
76
over
76 | 3 Runs | HH: 217/7
75.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot.
75.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Suranga Lakmal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
75.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, On off, Dickwella drags his sweep to square leg for one.
75.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on off, ND blocks it.
75.2
2
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up around off, Dickwella sweeps it through mid-wicket. Santner gives it a chase and cleans it up before the ropes. Two taken.
75.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella drives it but straight to cover.
Santer is back on.
75
over
75 | 0 Runs | HH: 214/7
74.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal bends forward and blocks it to get through the over.
74.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Once again Lakmal has nothing to do with the ball outside off.
74.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal does not tease that one.
74.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floats one on off, Lakmal defends it with calmness.
74.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floated on the stumps, SL defends it with confidence.
74.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Slower through the air outside off, Lakmal looks to defend but gets beaten.
74
over
74 | 5 Runs | HH: 214/7
73.6
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Short ball, Dickwella looks to pull but misses.
73.5
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Full toss on middle, Dickwella strokes it to mid on.
73.5
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, WIDE! Another short delivery from Boult but this time it is way over the batsman's head and it has been wided.
73.4
4
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Excellent batting from Dickwella. It was a short delivery from Boult which was going over ND's head but Dickwella had other ideas. The batter just uppercuts the ball over the keeper's head for a boundary. With that boundary, the fifty run partnership comes up between the two.
73.3
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, On a good length this time on middle stump, Dickwella pushes it back to the bowler.
73.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella rocks back and blocks it out.
73.1
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella defends it towards the mid-wicket.
73
over
73 | 3 Runs | HH: 209/7
72.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
72.5
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella sweeps it to square leg for a single to take the partnership to 48.
72.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella comes down the track and blocks it.
72.3
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On off, Lakmal strokes it to mid off for a single.
72.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
72.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella once again brings out the reverse sweep and hits it to third man for one.
72
over
72 | 5 Runs | HH: 206/7
71.6
0
Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal, On a good length delivery, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler.
71.5
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella guides it uppishly towards third man and takes a single.
71.4
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, This time a short delivery which goes over the head of Dickwella. The batsman tries to play the uppercut but misses.
71.3
2
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, On a good length on off stump, Dickwella drives it towards cover for another brace.
71.2
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella flicks it to the on side.
71.1
2
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella drives it through point region for a brace. The fielder at third man runs in and makes a diving stop.
Trent Boult is back on.
71
over
71 | 1 Runs | HH: 201/7
70.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off and Lakmal does not tease that one.
70.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal keeps it out.
70.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off, Suranga shoulders arms to it.
70.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floated outside off, Suranga looks to drive but gets beaten.
70.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Arm ball outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
70.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it towards backward point and gets a single.
70
over
70 | 1 Runs | HH: 200/7
69.6
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Defends it calmly to get through the over.
69.5
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On off, Lakmal keeps it out.
69.4
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
69.3
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, On the pads, Dickwella turns it to the on side and gets a single. Brings up the 200 for Sri Lanka. The deficit now is 49.
69.2
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on the stumps, ND defends it sensibly.
69.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella sweeps it to backward square leg and looks for a single but Lakmal says no.
69
over
69 | 1 Runs | HH: 199/7
68.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Niroshan defends it to get through the over.
68.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floated on the stumps, SL blocks it out.
68.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Lakmal goes hard at this tossed up delivery outside off. It finds the outside edge and goes wide of slip. They take a couple but hang on Lakmal keeps his bat on the line meaning it is a run short. So just a single.
68.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floated outside off, Suranga looks to drive but gets squared up.
68.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
68.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted on off, Lakmal defends it off the front foot.
68
over
68 | 2 Runs | HH: 198/7
67.6
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Outside off, Niroshan leaves it alone.
67.5
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Comical fielding from Ajaz! Tossed up on off, Dickwella plays the reverse sweep to wrads the left of backward point. Ajaz Patel thinks the ball will come to him but then he sees that the ball will go past him so he puts a very funny looking dive. In the end, he saves a run.
67.4
1
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On middle, Lakmal strokes it wide of mid on for one.
67.3
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal looks to defend but gets hit on thigh pad.
67.2
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter on off and middle, Niroshan punches it towards mid on for a single.
67.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated outside off, Dickwella looks to drive but misses.
67
over
67 | 3 Runs | HH: 196/7
66.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it out to get through the over.
66.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it to mid off.
66.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella drags it towards backward square leg for one.
66.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, ND lunges out and defends it off the front foot.
66.2
2
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter on off, Niroshan taps it towards third man and gets a couple.
66.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on the stumps, Dickwella keeps it out.
66
over
66 | 1 Runs | HH: 193/7
65.6
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Short delivery outside off stump, Lakmal rocks back and punches it towards cover.
65.5
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Loopy delivery on off stump, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler.
65.4
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, DROPPED! Latham is the culprit here. It was a shorter delivery on the leg stump, Lakmal tries to flick it away but goes to Latham at short leg who is unable to hold on to it. It was a difficult chance.
65.3
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Another loopy delivery on middle, Lakmal blocks it back to the bowler.
65.2
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on middle, Niroshan flicks it to square leg and takes a single.
65.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Dickwella sweeps but straight to fine leg.
65
over
65 | 3 Runs | HH: 192/7
64.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Short around off, Lakmal cuts it to point.
64.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On off, Suranga pushes it to cover.
64.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but misses.
64.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal defends it off the front foot.
64.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it wide of mid off for one.
64.1
2
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Sweeps it away wide of square leg for a couple.
64
over
64 | 8 Runs | HH: 189/7
63.6
4
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, FOUR! Excellent shot this time from Lakmal. It was another loopy delivery from Somerville. Lakmal like a proper top order batsman prods forward and drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary.
63.5
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal keeps it out.
63.4
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Follows it up with a sensible front foot defense.
63.3
4
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, FOUR! Lakmal is going after selected ones here. Tossed up on off, Suranga comes down the track and lofts it over covers for a boundary.
63.2
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted on middle, Lakmal pushes it back to the bowler.
63.1
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Looped up ball on off, Lakmal defends it with calmness.
63
over
63 | 1 Runs | HH: 181/7
62.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella taps it back to Ajaz.
62.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, On the stumps, ND keeps it out.
62.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
62.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella comes down the track and taps it back to the bowler.
62.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal flicks it to the on side for a single.
62.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted on the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot.
62
over
62 | 2 Runs | HH: 180/7
61.6
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it to point.
61.5
1
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Short around off, Lakmal cuts it towards point for a single.
61.4
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Off spinner outside off, Lakmal looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
61.3
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot.
61.2
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for one.
61.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella looks to drive but misses.
Drinks Break. It has been all New Zealand since Tea and they have picked up three wickets. For the hosts, Dickwella has looked comfortable at the crease at one end and with only Embuldeniya and Lahiru Kumara to follow, they will look to survive the remaining overs and get close to the New Zealand total. The visitors will look to get the remaining three wickets quickly and get a lead of around 50 by close.
61
over
61 | 3 Runs | HH: 178/7
60.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the stumps, Suranga blocks it out.
60.5
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, First extra of the game. On the pads, Dickwella looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pad down the leg side for a single.
60.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy ball outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets hit on the pad. Appeal follows but the umpire is unmoved and rightfully so as the impact was outside off.
60.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on middle and leg, Dickwella comes down the track and looks to defend but the ball hits him on his pad. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire.
60.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on middle, Lakmal pushes it to mid on for a run.
60.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated outside off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it towards backward point for a single.
60
over
60 | 3 Runs | HH: 175/7
59.6
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Niroshan pushes it towards mid off and takes a single. Dickwella will keep strike for the next over.
59.5
1
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted delivery bowled at middle stump, Lakmal flicks it towards fine leg and the batters take a single.
59.4
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, NOT OUT! Very good review from Lakmal. There is no bat and the ball is going on to miss the leg pole. Flighted on off, Lakmal looks to defend but the ball goes through and lobs off his pad towards first slip. The Kiwi players ask the question and the umpire raises his finger. Lakmal after a few thoughts takes the review. Replays roll in, first up, the Ultra Edge shows no involvement of either bat or glove. Ball Tracker then follows and shows that the ball was going on to miss the leg pole.
Suranga Lakmal has taken a review for caught. He was not too confident let us see what the replays have to say though.
59.3
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella sweeps from off stump towards deep mid-wicket and calls Lakmal for a single.
59.2
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated on off and middle, Niroshan keeps it out.
59.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella goes for an ambitious reverse sweep but does not connect.
59
over
59 | 2 Runs | HH: 172/7
58.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted outside off, Lakmal looks to defend but gets beaten by the spin.
58.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone.
58.4
2
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a couple.
58.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Flighted on the stumps, SL defends it off the front foot.
58.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Floated on off, the ball keeps low but Lakmal does well to keep it out.
58.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Tossed up on middle, Lakmal pushes it back to the bowler.
58
over
58 | 2 Runs | HH: 170/7
57.6
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, ND looks to defend but gets hit on the pads and the bolwers make a stifled appeal for LBW but is turned down.
57.5
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Another flat delivery on the off pole, Dickwella blocks it out towards the off side.
57.4
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flatter delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it to point and takes of for a single but is sent back by Lakmal.
57.3
1
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Suranga prods forward and flicks it towards long on for a single.
57.2
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the pads, Niroshan plays another paddle sweep towards fine leg but this time it is only a single.
57.1
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up on the stumps, Dickwella defends it with straight bat.
57
over
57 | 7 Runs | HH: 168/7
56.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Shorter on off, Lakmal punches it to cover.
56.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Follows it up with a calm defense.
56.4
6
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, SIX! This one is out of here. Tossed up on off, Lakmal gets down on one knee and hammers his slog sweep over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.
56.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, Appeal but nothing from the umpire. Floated on leg, Lakmal looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal but nothing from the umpire as the ball seemed to be going down leg side.
56.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Suranga Lakmal, On middle, Lakmal pushes it to mid on.
56.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up around off, Niroshan defends it off the front foot. The ball goes towards point and they take a single.
56
over
56 | 3 Runs | HH: 161/7
55.6
0
William Somerville to Suranga Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the pads, Lakmal tries to defend but gets hit on the pads and goes to short leg fielder. The Kiwi fielders appeal for a possible bat and pad decision but the umpire is unmoved.
The new man in is Suranga Lakmal.
55.5
W
William Somerville to Akila Dananjaya, OUT! Caught! Another one bites the dust! First wicket for Somerville in this game. The consistent line and length he has bowled in this over has bore its fruit. Floated outside off, Akila goes for a big drive but gets a thick outside edge which goes straight into the hands of Ross Taylor at first slip. From 144/3 they are now reeling at 161/7.
55.4
0
William Somerville to Akila Dananjaya, Another brilliant delivery from Somerville, Akila in another attempt to defend it misses the ball completely.
55.3
0
William Somerville to Akila Dananjaya, Beaten! Flighted delivery outside off stump, Dananjaya tries to defend it but gets deceived in the air.
55.2
1
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Dickwella plays it towards mid off for a quick single.
55.1
2
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Full delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella paddles sweeps it to fine leg for a brace.
55
over
55 | 0 Runs | HH: 158/6
54.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Akila Dananjaya, Floated on off, Akila pushes it to cover.
54.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Akila Dananjaya, On the pads, AK flicks it to mid-wicket.
54.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Akila Dananjaya, Floated on off, Akila taps it back to the bowler.
54.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Akila Dananjaya, Floated on the stumps, AD blocks it away.
54.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Akila Dananjaya, Flighted on off, Akila starts his innings with a front foot defense.
Akila Dananjaya is the new man in.
54.1
W
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, OUT! Caught! Another Sri Lankan batsman who does not hang around a lot after getting to his half ton. 5-wicket haul for Ajaz Patel. Quicker on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge and it goes straight to Taylor at first slip. Sri Lanka in trouble now as they still trail by 91.
54
over
54 | 3 Runs | HH: 158/5
53.6
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella lets it go to the keeper.
53.5
0
William Somerville to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a loud LBW appeal but not given by the umpire.
53.4
1
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Fifty for Angelo Mathews! His 34th Test fifty for Mathews. This has been a fine knock from the experienced campaigner. He gets to his fifty with a flick towards mid-wicket for a single. He raises his bat in appreciation. He will look to convert this into a big one.
53.3
0
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket.
53.2
2
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Shorter on off, Mathews looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge whcih flies wide of the man at slip towards third man. Two runs taken.
53.1
0
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Shorter around off, Mathews defends it off the back foot.
William Somerville is back on!
53
over
53 | 0 Runs | HH: 155/5
52.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Another flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella blocks it out towards cover.
52.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella prods forward to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved.
52.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Another loopy delivery on the middle stump, Niroshan sweeps it fine but straight to the fine leg fielder.
52.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it to cover.
Niroshan Dickwella walks in at number 7, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva.
52.2
W
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! Terrific return catch! Sri Lanka have now lost a wicket either side of Tea. Poor shot from de Silva. Tossed up outside off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and looks to go big but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Hits it back to Ajaz Patel who reacts well to take a sharp catch. New Zealand still in shout for a decent first innings lead. Sri Lanka still behind by 94.
52.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full and around off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and looks to swing but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.
52
over
52 | 1 Runs | HH: 155/4
51.6
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, On a good length delivery outside off stump, Dhananjaya leaves it alone.
51.5
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Good length delivery outside off stump, de Silva defends it towards the cover fielder.
51.4
1
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Boult keeps on bowling back of a length. This time Dhananjaya flicks it square leg for a single.
51.3
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Another back of a length delivery on the body, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket. Another dot ball.
51.2
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Back of a length delivery on middle stump, de Silva flicks it towards square leg. No run.
51.1
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length delivery on middle, de Silva defends it back to the bowler.
51
over
51 | 4 Runs | HH: 154/4
50.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Short around off, Mathews punches it to cover.
50.5
4
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Mathews continues his good work. Tossed up on middle, Angelo comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
50.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Short and quick outside off, Mathews looks to cut but misses.
50.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on the stumps, AM keeps it out.
50.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up around off, Angelo defends it to cover.
50.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler.
50
over
50 | 1 Runs | HH: 150/4
49.6
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length delivery on the middle stump, DdS blocks it back to the bowler.
49.5
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length delivery on the pads, de Silva flicks it towards square leg.
49.4
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Shorter in length this time, Dhananjaya rocks back and pushes it towards the point fielder.
49.3
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a good length on middle, de Silva defends it off his back foot.
49.2
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Good length delivery on the middle pole, Dhananjaya defends it towards cover.
49.1
1
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Back of a length delivery aimed at the body, Mathews flicks it towards square leg and takes a single. The trail now is under 100.
49
over
49 | 5 Runs | HH: 149/4
48.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, On the stumps, de Silva defends it.
48.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, Floated on the stumps, de Silva keeps it out.
48.4
4
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! But a good effort in the field from Santner. Short and wide outside off, Dhananjaya cuts it through point. Santner chases it from point and looks to pull it back before the ropes but his hand ends up touching the ropes.
48.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up on off, Dhananjaya keeps it out.
48.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Dhananjaya de Silva, Floated on off, de Silva blocks it off the front foot.
48.1
1
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for one.
48
over
48 | 0 Runs | HH: 144/4
47.6
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Another back of a length delivery, Dhananjaya flicks it towards square leg. Excellent over from Boult. A wicket and no runs in it.
47.5
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Boult bowls a fuller length delivery outside off, de Silva pushes it to mid off.
47.4
0
Trent Boult to Dhananjaya de Silva, Back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.
Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in.
47.3
W
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, OUT! Caught! New Zealand wanted to attack the new man and they have done just that. Short ball around off, Perera was in two minds whether to leave it or play the shot. He goes for the latter but half-heartedly. He just ends up lobbing it straight to Mitchell Santner at cover-point. New Zealand once again get their noses just in front.
47.2
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Good length delivery on the leg stump, Perera defends it off his back foot towards mid on.
47.1
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Almost a calamity there. Good length ball on off, Perera strokes it wide of mid off and calls for a run. Mathews though was not interested and sends him back. Watling has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Trent Boult to continue from the other end.
47
over
47 | 5 Runs | HH: 144/3
46.6
1
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Perera, Perera is off the mark straightaway! Tossed up on middle, Perera comes down the track and flicks it wide of mid on for a single.
We are back for the third and final session of Day 2. Kusal Perera is the new man joining Angelo Mathews out in the middle. Ajaz Patel to finish off his incomplete over.
...Day 2, Session 3...
Tea! A tiring session for New Zealand but the wicket they got in the end will definitely boost their confidence. The start and end belonged to New Zealand but the pair of Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis really started to take the game by the scruff of its neck. The duo added 77-run stand with Mendis even getting to his 50 but then soon departed. Ajaz Patel has been the only bowler in the wicket column and rightfully so as he has been the best of the lot. Though New Zealand kept it tight, the lack of wickets would be a concern but with a new man set to join after the break, things are still evenly poised. Join us after a while for the final session of the day.
46.5
W
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, OUT! Caught! Fifty and out! Mendis will be gutted with himself. He was looking so good out in the middle but has thrown it away. This has been a trademark of his career. Tossed up on middle, Mendis looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the man at slip, and guess who takes the catch? Yes, it is Ross Taylor. The 77-run stand is broken and that will be Tea on Day 2.
46.4
4
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Fifty for Mendis. This has been a fine knock from the young man. He will now look to convert this into a big one. He gets a gift to get to his 10th Test fifty. A low full toss on the pads, Mendis flicks it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
46.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Short again on off, Mendis plays it to point.
46.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Shorter on off, Angelo punches it to cover.
46.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, Mendis keeps it out.
46
over
46 | 2 Runs | HH: 139/2
45.6
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Outside off and it is left alone once again by Angelo.
45.5
2
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews nudges it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
45.4
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Length ball on the stumps, Mathews blocks it.
45.3
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Once again outside Mathews offers no stroke to this one.
45.2
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Length ball outside off, Angelo leaves it alone.
45.1
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews defends it towards mid off.
Trent Boult is back again this time from the other end.
45
over
45 | 1 Runs | HH: 137/2
44.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Flights one on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
44.5
1
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Shorter on off, Mathews taps it towards third man and gets to the other end.
44.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
44.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Shorter around off, Mathews punches it to point.
44.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on off, Angelo blocks it off the front foot.
44.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Loopy ball on middle and leg, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler.
Ajaz Patel is back on! New Zealand in desperate need of wicket can Ajaz be the man?
44
over
44 | 7 Runs | HH: 136/2
43.6
1
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
43.5
4
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! This duo continue to trouble New Zealand. Tossed up on middle, Mathews comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
43.4
1
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
43.3
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, Mendis turns it to the on side.
43.2
1
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Angelo turns it behind square on the leg side for a single.
43.1
0
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Quicker on middle and off, Mathews tucks it to short leg.
43
over
43 | 2 Runs | HH: 129/2
42.6
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on off, KM keeps it out.
42.5
1
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Angelo flicks it to the on side for a single. Trail now stands at 120.
42.4
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Gets behind this length ball and solidly blocks it.
42.3
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
42.2
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, This time gets it wide of the man at point for a single.
42.1
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on off, Mendis plays it to point.
42
over
42 | 9 Runs | HH: 127/2
41.6
4
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Mathews shows aggression once again. Tossed up on middle and off, Angelo comes down the track and squeezes it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
41.5
0
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Loopy delivery on off, Angleo blocks it.
41.4
1
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on the pads, Mathews turns it to fine leg and rotates the strike.
41.3
1
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Floated on middle and leg, Mathews turns it to the on side and gets a single.
41.2
1
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, Kusal turns it behind square on the leg side for a single.
41.1
2
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Short ball on middle and leg, Mendis pulls it towards deep square leg and gets a couple.
William Somerville is back on.
41
over
41 | 1 Runs | HH: 118/2
40.6
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it but finds mid-wicket.
40.5
0
Trent Boult to Angelo Mathews, Inside edge to the rescue. Very full and inswinging ball on off, Mathews looks to defend but luckily the ball kisses the inside edge and goes onto the pads.
40.4
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, On the body, Mendis glances it towards fine leg for one.
40.3
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, On the fourth stump line, Mendis leaves it alone.
40.2
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, Outside off, Kusal leaves it alone.
40.1
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Mendis, Good length ball on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
Trent Boult is back on.
40
over
40 | 4 Runs | HH: 117/2
39.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Angelo flicks it to the on side.
39.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews blocks it away.
39.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floats it on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
39.3
4
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Runs starting to come quicker now. Shorter around off. Mathews cuts it through point for a boundary. Also brings up the 50-run stand between the duo.
39.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on middle and off, Mathews keeps it out.
39.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews turns it to the on side.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs | HH: 113/2
38.6
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Kusal shoulders arms to it.
38.5
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Once again bowls it full around off, Mendis keeps it out.
38.4
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Full ball outside off, Kusal defends it towards cover.
38.3
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Full on off, Kusal pushes it to mid on.
38.2
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Outside off, asking the batsman to drive but Mendis says not now mate.
38.1
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Fuller on off, Mendis keeps it out.
38
over
38 | 7 Runs | HH: 113/2
37.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Angelo has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
37.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on the stumps, AM keeps it out.
37.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Santner defends it off the front foot.
37.3
6
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, IN THE AIR AND SIX! Tossed up on off, Mathews frees his arms and lofts it over long off for a biggie. It looked like he did not connect well but he had got enough meat on it.
37.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, Mendis turns it towards mid-wicket for one.
37.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
37
over
37 | 8 Runs | HH: 106/2
36.6
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Fuller on off, Mathews drives it to mid on off the inner half of his bat. End of an expensive over, 8 from it.
36.5
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews defends it calmly.
36.4
4
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Poor bowling this from Southee. He strays one down the leg side, Angelo flicks it fine down the leg side to score the second boundary of the over.
36.3
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.
36.2
4
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! 100 comes up for Sri Lanka in style. Good length ball around off, Mathews cuts it with venom through point for a boundary. Much needed as this has come after almost 9 overs.
36.1
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot.
36
over
36 | 2 Runs | HH: 98/2
35.6
1
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Once again short, Mathews cannot get it past point.
35.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
35.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, On the stumps, AM blocks it off the front foot.
35.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
35.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis punches it to cover.
35.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis comes down the track and taps the ball onto the ground.
35
over
35 | 0 Runs | HH: 96/2
34.6
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Fuller on middle, AM keeps it out.
34.5
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Fuller on middle, Angelo strokes it to mid on.
34.4
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
34.3
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Almost chopped on! Good length ball around off, Mathews is late in getting his bat down. The ball hits the bottom half of his bat and onto the pads. It goes past the stumps and to the keeper.
34.2
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Good length ball outside off, Mathews leaves it alone.
34.1
0
Tim Southee to Angelo Mathews, Southee bowls the effort ball and bangs it in short. Mathews sways away from it.
34
over
34 | 3 Runs | HH: 96/2
33.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis blocks it away.
33.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Slower through the air on off, Mendis defends it off the inner half of his bat.
33.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, KM blocks it.
33.3
2
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Shorter around off, Kusal taps it towards third man for a couple.
33.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
33.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Slower and shorter outside off, Mathews punches it towards cover for a single.
33
over
33 | 0 Runs | HH: 93/2
32.6
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Same line and this one is defended towards mid on. Maiden for Southee on his return.
32.5
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Closer to off pole, Kusal defends it to cover.
32.4
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, On the fourth stump line, Mendis has no business with it.
32.3
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on off, Kusal blocks it off.
32.2
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, No swing on this one. It is outside off, KM shoulders arms to this.
32.1
0
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Mendis leaves it alone.
Tim Southee is back.
Drinks Break! Sri Lanka are cruising along nicely here. They have lost just two wickets and Kusal Mendis is still out in the middle and he is looking very good out in the middle. New Zealand need wickets here and need to break this stand.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 93/2
31.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on off, AM keeps it out.
31.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, KM turns it to the on side and gets a single.
31.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, Kusal blocks it off the front foot.
31.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.
31.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Slightly shorter on middle, Mendis keeps his eyes on the ball and defends it.
31.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on off, Mendis defends it calmly.
31
over
31 | 3 Runs | HH: 92/2
30.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, On the stumps, AM blocks it off the front foot.
30.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Short on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot.
30.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
30.3
1
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Short around off, Mendis runs it down to third man and gets a single.
30.2
2
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Shorter around off, Mendis cuts it through point and gets a couple as Santner goes after it from point and pulls it before the ropes.
30.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Flatter on off, Kusal defends it off the front foot.
30
over
30 | 1 Runs | HH: 89/2
29.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, On off, Mathews blocks it to get through the over.
29.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews defends it with a straight bat.
29.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews strokes it to cover.
29.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Flighted on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
29.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Short around off, Mendis punches it towards cover and gets a single.
29.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Kusal defends it off the front foot.
29
over
29 | 0 Runs | HH: 88/2
28.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on off, AM keeps it out.
28.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Angelo defends it off the front foot.
28.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Once again cuts but finds point.
28.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Short and around off, Angelo cuts it but finds point.
28.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, On the stumps, Mathews keeps it out.
28.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
28
over
28 | 4 Runs | HH: 88/2
27.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, Mendis flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
27.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Short again this is on off, KM punches it to cover.
27.4
4
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Short and punished. It is on middle, Kusal picks the length early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
27.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, KM blocks it.
27.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis pushes it to mid off.
27.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Not Out! There was no bat involved but the impact was outside leg. New Zealand lose one of their two reviews. Tossed up on leg, Mendis looks to flick but misses. The ball hits him on the pads. There is a huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Williamson after a few consultation takes the review. Replay rolls in, Ultra Edge shows no involvement of bat but the Ball Tracker shows that the impact was outside leg.
LBW appeal taken upstairs. Mendis is the man in question. It looked like there was bat involved, let's see what the replays have to say.
27
over
27 | 0 Runs | HH: 84/2
26.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Floated on the stumps, AM defends it off the front foot.
26.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Short around off, Mathews cuts but cannot get it past the man at point.
26.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Angelo flicks it to square leg.
26.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Now a confident defense. Tossed up on off, Mathews keeps it out.
26.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Beauty! Slower through the air on off, Mathews looks to defend it off his back foot but gets beaten by the spin on that one.
26.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Shorter on top of middle, Mathews gets on his back foot and punches it to mid on.
26
over
26 | 2 Runs | HH: 84/2
25.6
1
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Now he induces spin here. Floated on off, Mathews looks to defend with soft hands but gets a thick outside edge which goes towards the third man region for a single.
25.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on off, Angelo blocks it. Though Santner has been right on the money he has not got too much spin here.
25.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews defends it towards cover.
25.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, On middle and leg, Mathews tucks it towards mid-wicket.
25.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Angelo Mathews, Shorter on off and middle, Mathews gets right behind it and defends it back towards the bowler.
25.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Starts right on the money. Flighted on off, there is late spin on this one. Mendis looks to defend but it goes off the outer half of his bat towards the third man region for a single.
Third spinner into the attack now. Mitchell Santer is introduced.
25
over
25 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/2
24.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, On the pads, AM flicks it to square leg.
24.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Once again Ajaz bowls short, Mathews punches it to cover
24.4
4
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! This time Mathews cuts it with authority! Short and wide outside off, Mathews gets on his back foot and cuts it right off the meat through point for a boundary.
24.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews keeps it out.
24.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, In the air but short. Short outside off, Mathews looks to cut but does so uppishly but it falls short of Santner at backward point.
24.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Arm ball outside off, Mathews leaves it alone.
24
over
24 | 12 Runs | HH: 78/2
23.6
6
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, SIX! Mendis won't miss out on those hit me balls. Tossed up on middle and leg, it is overpitched by Somerville. Kusal gets down on one knee and sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
23.5
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Quicker and shorter on middle and leg, Kusal tucks it down and wide of short leg.
23.4
1
William Somerville to Angelo Mathews, Mathews is off the mark. Off spinner on the pads, Mathews glances it with the spin towards fine leg for a single.
23.3
1
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, On the pads, Mendis flicks it to the on side for one.
23.2
4
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Hammered away. Somerville is guilty of bowling it too short, Mendis picks it early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
23.1
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Quick and spinning in. It is on the leg side, Mendis looks to play it to the on side but misses.
23
over
23 | 2 Runs | HH: 66/2
22.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Angelo Mathews, Flighted outside off, Mathews starts his innings with a leave.
Angelo Mathews replaces his skipper out in the middle.
22.5
W
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, OUT! LBW! The Sri Lankan skipper is out of here. Ajaz bowls one quicker on middle and off, Dimuth looks to flick but misses. The Kiwis ask the question and the umpire gives Karunaratne his marching orders by raising his finger. Karunaratne and Mendis have a word and they opt against the review. Good decision as replay later on shows that the ball would have gone onto hit the leg pole.
22.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flatter on the pads, Karunaratne looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
22.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on off, DK blocks it off the back foot.
22.2
2
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short and spinning in, Karunaratne plays it late and wide of slip and third man. Raval at third man mops it up before the ropes. Two taken.
22.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle and off, Karunaratne comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket.
22
over
22 | 1 Runs | HH: 64/1
21.6
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, On the stumps, Mendis keeps it out.
21.5
1
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, On the pads, DK flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
21.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne punches it to cover.
21.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flights one on the stumps, Karunaratne defends it with a straight bat.
21.2
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Sharp turn! Floated around off, Karunaratne looks to defend but gets beaten.
21.1
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up on off, Karunaratne pushes it to cover.
21
over
21 | 4 Runs | HH: 63/1
20.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Driven towards the mid-off by Mendis.
20.5
4
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Swept and swept fine. Floated on the pads, Mendis gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.
20.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, On off, Mendis keeps it out with a classical front foot defense.
20.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Flighted on the stumps, Mendis gets on his front foot and blocks it.
20.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
20.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Uppish but safe! Tossed up around middle, Mendis comes down the track and drives it uppishly towards extra cover. Luckily for him, it falls short of the fielder.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs | HH: 59/1
19.6
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Slower through the air on off, Karunaratne defends it to get through the over.
19.5
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Dimuth blocks it away.
19.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Loopy ball on middle, Karunaratne taps it back to the bowler.
19.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne plays it to point.
19.2
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Edged but short! Flighted outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive but gets an outside edge. This time it does not carry to Rosco and he does well to stop it with a dive.
19.1
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted around off, Karunaratne defends it towards point.
19
over
19 | 0 Runs | HH: 59/1
18.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot.
18.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Kusal has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
18.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
18.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Flighted on off, Mendis drives it straight to cover.
18.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis keeps it out.
18.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on off, KM defends it off the front foot.
18
over
18 | 4 Runs | HH: 59/1
17.6
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Floated on middle, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket.
17.5
4
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, UPPISH AND FOUR! Somerville tosses it up around off, Karunaratne drives it uppishly to the right of Somerville. The tall spinner puts in a good dive but can just get a finger tip to it. That is not enough to take the pace of the ball as it still goes to the long off fence.
17.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted outside off, Dimuth leaves it alone.
17.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Very full on off, DK nudges it to mid on.
17.2
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne punches it with the spin towards cover.
17.1
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted and spinning away from outside off, Dimuth guides it with the spin towards gully.
17
over
17 | 7 Runs | HH: 55/1
16.6
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Short again but this is on off, Kusal defends it towards point.
16.5
4
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Easy pickings! Short on middle, Mendis gets on his back foot and pulls it over the vacant mid-wicket region for a boundary.
16.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Flighted on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot.
16.3
1
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Floated on middle and off, Karunaratne strokes it to mid on and gets to the other end.
16.2
2
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on middle, Karunaratne flicks it against the spin towards the fine leg region. Santner gives it a chase and pulls it before the ropes. Two taken.
16.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Dimuth defends it with a straight bat.
16
over
16 | 5 Runs | HH: 48/1
15.6
1
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Arm ball on off, Karunaratne taps it wide of gully and keeps the strike.
15.5
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flights one on off, Dimuth strokes it to mid off.
15.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up on the stumps, DK keeps it out.
15.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Follows it up with a gentle front foot defense.
15.2
4
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! Crisp! Flighted on off, Karunaratne lunges out and drives it with sweet timing straight down the ground for a boundary.
15.1
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.
15
over
15 | 5 Runs | HH: 43/1
14.6
4
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, EDGED AND FOUR! Taylor once again is lethargic at slip. Short around off, Mendis looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge which goes just left of Taylor at first slip and to the fence for a boundary.
14.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.
14.4
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Beauty! Tossed up on off, Mendis looks to defend but the ball spins away and squares Kusal all ends up.
14.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Shorter on off and middle, Mendis defends it off the upper half of his bat.
14.2
1
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, On the pads, Karunaratne flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
14.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.
Ajaz Patal to continue.
14
over
14 | 4 Runs | HH: 38/1
13.6
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up on off, Kusal drives it straight to the bowler.
13.5
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis blocks it.
13.4
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Short on off, Kusal plays the nataraja pull shot but straight to mid-wicket.
13.3
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Floated outside off, Mendis leaves it alone.
13.2
0
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, Now calmly leaves this one which is outside off.
13.1
4
William Somerville to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! What a glorious way to start the session. Tossed up outside off, Mendis gets on his front foot and drives it through mid off for a boundary!
We are back for the 2nd session. Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis walk out to resume their innings. William Somerville to bowl the first over of this new session.
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
Tidy start from Boult and Southee followed by tight spells from Somerville and Ajaz Patel has seen New Zealand get one wicket before the break. There is a lot of spin on offer and with the rough outside the left-hander's off stump, the Kiwi spinners will be looking forward to exploiting that as the hosts do have a lot of left-handers. Can they succeed in their plans will be the real question. Join us after the break for the second session.
LUNCH! After a solid display with the ball from Lakmal in the morning, Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 249. The opening pair of Karunaratne and Thirimanne were putting up a good fight and it looked like the hosts would go into the break unharmed but just over 10 minutes before the Lunch break, Thirimanne decided to show aggression and in the process was out stumped. That is the only casualty for Sri Lanka as they head into the break with a trail of 215.
13
over
13 | 2 Runs | HH: 34/1
12.6
1
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Short on off, Mendis punches it towards point and gets a single. LUNCH ON DAY 2!
12.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it by getting right behind the ball.
12.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter around off, DK runs it down to third man for one.
12.3
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Ajaz once again tries to bowl it on the rough which is developing outside off stump of the left-hander. Karunaratne looks to negate it by coming down the track. He misses his flick and the ball hits him on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire.
12.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short around off, Karunaratne looks to cut but misses.
12.1
0
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up around off, Karunaratne comes down the track and blocks it.
12
over
12 | 5 Runs | HH: 32/1
11.6
1
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle, Karunarate comes down the track and nudges it wide of mid on for one.
11.5
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Ohh! Floated on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it uppishly just wide of short leg.
11.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle and off, Karunaratne blocks it off his front foot.
11.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Floated on the stumps, DK defends it off the front foot.
11.2
2
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, DROPPED! Taylor is the culprit! Somerville will feel hard done by this. William tosses it up outside off, Karunaratne goes for the drive but ends up getting a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of first slip. Taylor misreads and the ball hits his right hand and lobs behind for a couple.
11.1
2
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne runs it down towards third man and gets a couple.
Kusal Mendis walks out at number 3.
11
over
11 | 5 Runs | HH: 27/1
10.6
W
Ajaz Patel to Lahiru Thirimanne, OUT! Stumped! New Zealand needed a wicket before lunch and Ajaz Patel has given them just that in his first over. Not a smart choice from Thirimanne. Ajaz flights one outside off, it is slower through the air. Lahiru comes down the track and looks to play it on the leg side. He misreads the spin and it cuts the bat and body on its way to the keeper. Watling takes the bails off as Lahiru is too far in front.
10.5
0
Ajaz Patel to Lahiru Thirimanne, Floated outside off, Thirimanne leaves it alone.
10.4
1
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, On the pads, Dimuth comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
10.3
1
Ajaz Patel to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short around off, Thirimanne looks to cut but the ball goes off the lower half of his bat towards point for one.
10.2
0
Ajaz Patel to Lahiru Thirimanne, Flighted on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot.
10.1
3
Ajaz Patel to Dimuth Karunaratne, Starts with a short ball on top of off, Karunaratne punches it through point and gets three as the fielder cleans it before the ropes.
Ajaz Patel is into the attack.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 22/0
9.6
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Maiden for Somerville. Better over this. The last ball is flighted on off, Lahiru blocks it.
9.5
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Shorter on off, Lahiru blocks it off the back foot.
9.4
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Tossed up on middle, Thirimanne strokes it to mid on.
9.3
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Sharp spin on this one. Floated on middle and leg, Thirimanne does well to read the spin and block it.
9.2
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Very full on the pads, LT defends it back to the bowler.
9.1
0
William Somerville to Lahiru Thirimanne, Loopy delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it but straight to cover. Lahiru will be gutted to miss out on that one.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 22/0
8.6
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Short delivery outside the off stump, Dimuth cuts hard but straight to the point fielder. DK will feel that he missed out there as it was a ball to be hit.
8.5
1
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, On a good length delivery on the pads, Lahiru flicks it off his pads and crosses over for a single.
8.4
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on middle pole, Lahiru blocks it out to mid on.
8.3
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Full delivery outside the off stump, Thirimanne drives it towards cover. No run.
8.2
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, On a good length on the middle pole, Thirimanne pushes it back to the bowler.
8.1
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Short ball on middle, Thirimanne rocks back and defends it towards mid on.
8
over
8 | 6 Runs | HH: 21/0
7.6
4
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! No power just placement. Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne waits and then places it fine towards the third man region for a boundary.
7.5
2
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne drives it through point for a couple.
7.4
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Quicker and shorter on off, Karunaratne taps it towards gully.
7.3
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Floated on off, DK blocks it off his front foot.
7.2
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.
7.1
0
William Somerville to Dimuth Karunaratne, Starts with a loopy delivery outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.
Spinner into the attack now. William Somerville is on.
7
over
7 | 4 Runs | HH: 15/0
6.6
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, In the air but safe! Fuller on middle and leg, Thirimanne flicks it uppishly but luckily it falls well short of short mid-wicket.
6.5
4
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, FOUR! Excellent shot! First boundary of the day for Thirimanne. Good length ball around off, Lahiru leans back and cuts it through point for a boundary.
6.4
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Full on off and middle, Lahiru nudges it to mid on.
6.3
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Bouncer! It is on middle and leg, Lahiru sits under it and the ball goes just past him.
6.2
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on off, Thirimanne defends it towards cover-point.
6.1
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Boult steams in and hits the deck hard around off, it comes in slightly but Thirimanne offers a classical leave to it.
6
over
6 | 1 Runs | HH: 11/0
5.6
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Full delivery on the off pole, Dimuth pushes it towards mid off.
5.5
1
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on the middle pole angling in to the left hander, Thirimanne flicks it to square leg and takes a single.
5.4
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Lahiru lets it go to the keeper.
5.3
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on middle pole, Thirimanne drives it back to the bowler.
5.2
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Another good length delivery on the off stump, Thirimanne defends it to the off side. The batter wants to take a single but it is not there as the fielder at point makes a diving stop.
5.1
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball outside off stump, Thirimanne leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 10/0
4.6
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.
4.5
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Boult misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Karunaratne looks to flick but misses.
4.4
2
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, On the pads, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a couple.
4.3
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, OHH! Full outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive it on the up but misses.
4.2
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Fuller on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot.
4.1
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.
4
over
4 | 1 Runs | HH: 8/0
3.6
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Southee. It was on a good length on the off pole. Lahiru prods forward to defend but is not able to put any bat on it.
3.5
1
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Full delivery outside off stump, Dimuth prods forward and pushes it to mid off and takes off for a single.
3.4
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Fuller in length this time on the off stump, Karunaratne pushes it towards mid off.
3.3
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Another one on a good length outside off stump, DK defends it again towards cover.
3.2
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good length ball on the off pole, Karunaratne defends it to the off side.
3.1
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Full delivery on the middle pole, Dimuth tries to flick it towards the leg side but gets a thick edge towards the off side.
3
over
3 | 0 Runs | HH: 7/0
2.6
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Length ball on off, Thirimanne tucks it to the on side.
2.5
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball close to off stump, Lahiru defends it off the front foot.
2.4
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Length ball outside off, Thirimanne shoulders arms to it.
2.3
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Back of a length ball on off, Thirimanne defends it off the back foot.
2.2
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Bouncer! Thirimanne ducks under it.
2.1
0
Trent Boult to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball outside off, Thirimanne taps it towards gully.
2
over
2 | 7 Runs | HH: 7/0
1.6
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Beaten! Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses the ball.
1.5
4
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, FOUR! Excellent shot from Karunaratne! It was a full delivery on the pads. Dimuth flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for the first boundary of the innings.
1.4
0
Tim Southee to Dimuth Karunaratne, Another full length delivery on the middle pole, Dimuth defends it towards the off side.
1.3
1
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Fuller in length this time but on the pads, Lahiru flicks it towards square leg and takes a single.
1.2
0
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Shorter in length this time, Thirimanne defends it off the back foot.
1.1
2
Tim Southee to Lahiru Thirimanne, Good length ball on the off stump, Thirimanne drives it down the ground and gets off the mark with a couple.
Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
0.6
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, On the fourth stump, Dimuth leaves it alone to get through the first over without any damage.
0.5
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, On off, Karunaratne defends it with authority.
0.4
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Fuller on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.
0.3
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, Karunaratne pushes it to cover.
0.2
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, No wild swing on this one. It is a good length ball around off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.
0.1
0
Trent Boult to Dimuth Karunaratne, Wild swing first up. Good length ball on the fourth stump line, the ball swings away and goes towards the first slip. Watling does really well as he dives to his left to collect the ball.
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01
st Innings
New Zealand
So in a pitch where there is spin on offer, it was the pacer who did the damage in the opening hour. That might excite the fast bowlers of New Zealand. Join us in a while for Sri Lanka's reply.
A good day for Sri Lanka, especially Suranga Lakmal. 5 wickets fell and 4 of them fell to Lakmal. The hosts started the day in the best of fashion as Ross Taylor departed without scoring any runs today. The lower order did put up a fight and managed to take the score close to 250, thanks to small but vital contributions from Southee, Boult and unbeaten Somerville.
83.2
W
Suranga Lakmal to Ajaz Patel, OUT! LBW! Unsuccessful review. Full ball outside off, Ajaz looks to play it across the line and gets hit on the pads. Huge appeal follows and the umpire raises his finger. Ajaz Patel takes the review, replay rolls in and shows that the ball was clipping the leg pole. NEW ZEALAND BOWLED OUT FOR 249.
Ajaz Patel has taken the review for LBW.
Ajaz Patel is the last man in.
83.1
W
Suranga Lakmal to Trent Boult, OUT! Caught! Lakmal strikes in his very first over of his new spell. His third of the day and New Zealand lose their 9th. Trent Boult's entertaining cameo comes to an end. Good length ball on off, Boult looks to loft it over mid on but does not get the elevation and he ends up hitting it straight to Kusal Perera at mid on.
Now Suranga Lakmal is back on.
Drinks Break - Just when Suranga Lakmal was given the new ball, Boult had an issue with his helmet and looking at this opportunity the umpires have called for drinks.
83
over
83 | 3 Runs |
HH: 249/8
82.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Shorter on off, Somerville defends it off the back foot to get through another over unharmed.
82.5
1
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Floated on middle and leg, Boult looks to defend but gets an inside edge towards the square leg region allowing them to take a single.
82.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Floated on off, Somerville plays it towards point and once again there is yes and no between the batsmen but misfield at point allows them to take a single.
82.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Spinning away and it is wide of leg stump. William looks to flick but misses.
82.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, On the pads, Somerville flicks it towards mid-wicket.
82.1
1
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and nudges it to long on for one.
82
over
82 | 7 Runs |
HH: 246/8
81.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, On the stumps, blocked by Somerville.
81.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, Flighted on the stumps, WS keeps it out.
81.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Trent Boult, Floated on off, Boult comes down the track and nudges it towards cover for one.
81.3
6
Lasith Embuldeniya to Trent Boult, SIX! Boult is enjoying his time out in the middle. Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a maximum.
81.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Trent Boult, Floated on the stumps, Boult defends it off the front foot.
81.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Trent Boult, This is comical. Tossed up outside off, Boult looks play the paddle but gets a leading edge on it. The ball goes through the grill and gets stuck in. Boult moves away from all the surrounding fielders. After a while, Boult lets the keeper take it off. Not out though as the ball was dead.
New ball is taken now by Sri Lanka.
81
over
81 | 5 Runs |
HH: 239/8
80.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Tossed up outside off, Somerville comes down the track and looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.
80.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Tossed up outside off, WS looks to defend inside the line but misses.
80.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Miscommunication but safe. Tossed up on off, Boult defends it with soft hands. The ball goes towards point, Somerville calls for a run, Boult says no but still goes with it. Luckily Somerville gets in.
80.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Floated on middle and leg, Boult defends it in a proper number 10 fashion.
80.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up on off, Boult blocks it off the front foot.
80.1
4
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, FOUR! Bonus runs for New Zealand, frustrating for Sri Lanka. Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and swivels it with the spin over mid-wicket for a boundary.
80
over
80 | 1 Runs |
HH: 234/8
79.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, Slower through the air outside off, Somerville looks to drive but misses.
79.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
79.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, Tossed up on the stumps, WS keeps it out.
79.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, Flighted outside off, Somerville looks to drive but misses.
79.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to William Somerville, Tossed up on middle, Somerville blocks it off the front foot.
79.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Trent Boult, Starts with a flighted delivery on off, Boult strokes it towards cover for a single.
Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack.
79
over
79 | 1 Runs |
HH: 233/8
78.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Floated on off, WS defends it off the front foot.
78.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, NOT OUT! Brilliant review from Somerville. He survives to fight another day. Loopy off spinner pitching outside off, Somerville looks to defend. The ball lobs off his pad and goes straight into the hands of short leg. Sri Lanka players put in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Somerville takes the review. Snicko shows there was no bat or glove involved. Ball Tracker then rolls in and shows that though the impact was umpire's call, the ball was going on to miss the stumps.
New Zealand have taken their last review here. It is for caught. Somerville straightaway signaled the 'T' indicating that there might be no bat involved.
78.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Shorter on off, WS defends it off the back foot.
78.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Shorter on middle and leg, Somerville tucks it wide of short leg.
78.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to William Somerville, Floated on off, Somerville bends his back and defends it.
78.1
1
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up around off, Boult comes down the track and milks it towards long on with the spin for a single.
78
over
78 | 8 Runs |
HH: 232/8
77.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Good length ball around off, WS defends it towards cover to get through the over.
77.5
2
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Length ball outside off, Somerville drives it wide of sweeper cover and gets a couple as the fielder cleans it up.
77.4
1
Suranga Lakmal to Trent Boult, Fuller on middle, Boult strokes it wide of mid on for one.
77.3
1
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Length ball on off, WS punches it wide of cover for one.
77.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Follows the edgy boundary with a solid front foot defense.
77.1
4
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, EDGED AND FOUR! Fuller ball outside off, Somerville looks to drive but ends up getting a fat outside edge. It flies wide of the diving gully fielder and to the fence at third man for a boundary. Bonus yet vital runs these for New Zealand.
77
over
77 | 0 Runs |
HH: 224/8
76.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Floated on the stumps, Trent defends it to get through the over.
76.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up on middle, Boult comes down the track and strokes it back towards the bowler.
76.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Shorter on off, Boult defends it off his back foot this time.
76.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up on off and middle, Boult looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge towards point.
76.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Floated on the stumps, Boult defends it.
76.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Trent Boult, Tossed up on off, TB defends it off the front foot.
76
over
76 | 2 Runs |
HH: 224/8
75.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Good length ball outside off, William looks to defend but misses.
75.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, On the stumps, Somerville defends it off the front foot.
75.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Bouncer! Somerville sways away from it.
75.3
1
Suranga Lakmal to Trent Boult, DROPPED! Tough chance but still a chance. Good length ball on off, Boult looks to drive it on the up but does so uppishly. Lakmal gets his right hand on it in his follow up but cannot stick it in. The ball goes behind the stumps at the bowler's end and Boult rather than getting out ends up getting a single.
75.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Trent Boult, Length ball outside off, Boult looks to play it initially but then leaves it in the end in typical tailender's style.
75.1
1
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Good length ball on off, Somerville pushes it wide of cover and gets a single.
Trent Boult walks out at number 10.
75
over
75 | 6 Runs |
HH: 222/8
74.6
W
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, OUT! Run out! What has happened here? Akila tosses one on leg, Southee looks to defend but the ball hits his front pad. Akila and the keeper go up in appeal but the umpire says nothing doing. But in the meantime, the ball goes towards gully and Tim had come halfway down looking for a single. Somerville, initially was calling for a run but then turns his back on his partner. Tim is in no man's land. Dhananjaya de Silva throws it at the keeper's end and Dickwella does the rest. Terrible day for New Zealand so far.
74.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, On the pads, Southee flicks it to mid-wicket.
74.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Tossed up on the stumps, Southee follows the maximum with a solid defense.
74.3
6
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, SIX! First six of the gme and it has come off Southee's bat. Tossed up around middle, Southee says enough of the waiting game and he comes down the track. He gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
74.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Flighted on the stumps, Tim blocks it off the front foot.
74.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Tossed up on off, Southee defends it off the front foot.
74
over
74 | 3 Runs |
HH: 216/7
73.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to William Somerville, Outside off on a length, Somerville leaves it alone.
The new man in is William Somerville.
73.5
W
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, OUT! LBW! Second wicket for Lakmal today. His consistent line and lengths are finally reaping his benefits. Good length ball pitching outside off, Santner leaves it assuming it to swing away but the ball comes in with the angle and hits him flush on the front pad. Sri Lankan players put in a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Santner has a word with his partner, Southee and him opt against the review. Good decision as replays later on show that it would have been umpire's call as the ball was clipping the stumps enough to stay with the on-field call.
73.4
1
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Direct hit but safely in. Full on off, Southee drives it wide of mid off and takes a single. The fielder hits bull's eye at the bowler's end but Tim is in. The ball deflects off the stumps but does not cost any extra runs.
73.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Length ball coming in with the angle, Southee defends it off the upper half of his bat with the angle.
73.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Fuller on off, Southee tucks it towards mid-wicket, he looks for a quick single but Santner shouts a loud no.
73.1
2
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Length ball on off, Southee stands tall and punches it through covers for a couple.
73
over
73 | 5 Runs |
HH: 213/6
72.6
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Tossed up outside off, Southee plays it with soft hands towards third man and keeps the strike with a single.
72.5
1
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on middle, Santner nudges it towards long on for one.
72.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Floated on the stumps, MS blocks it properly this time.
72.3
2
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, That excited the Sri Lankan players. Dananjaya flights it very full on middle and leg, Santner looks to defend but gets a big inside edge which goes towards the fine leg region. Two runs taken as the fielder cleans it up.
72.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Floated on middle, Southee strokes it towards mid on for one.
72.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Tossed up on off and middle, Tim defends it off the front foot.
72
over
72 | 1 Runs |
HH: 208/6
71.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, Santner lets it carry to the keeper.
71.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Lakmal tempts Santner to drive by bowling it outside off, Mitchell though is not interested and shoulders arms to it.
71.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Length ball on off, Santner defends it with a straight bat.
71.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Hits the deck hard outside off, it comes in but Santner is aware of his off stump and offers a good leave.
71.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Good length ball outside off, Mitchell leaves it alone.
71.1
1
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Off the inside edge. Good length ball which comes in to the right-hander. Southee looks to defend but gets an inside edge which goes towards square leg allowing him to get to the bowler's end.
71
over
71 | 1 Runs |
HH: 207/6
70.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Short and straight, Santner punches it straight back to the bowler.
70.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Shorter on the stumps, MS defends it off the back foot.
70.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Another beauty. Tossed up on off, the ball spins away from the southpaw. Santner looks to defend but misses.
70.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Leg spinner now. Shorter around off, Southee punches it towards extra cover against the spin and gets a single.
70.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, This has spun a lot. Off spinner pitching outside off, Southee gets on his back foot and looks to punch it to the off side but the ball spins in and hits him on the back leg wide away from the leg stump line.
70.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Floated delivery on off, Southee looks to defend but gets a leading edge towards point which goes all along the ground..
70
over
70 | 1 Runs |
HH: 206/6
69.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Excellent delivery. Lakmal comes around the wicket and bowls it an away swinger pitching close to the off pole. Santner looks to defend but misses and luckily for him the ball does not kiss the outside edge.
69.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Closer to the off pole but Santner is aware of his stumps and lets it carry to the keeper.
69.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Mitchell Santner, Good length ball angling away. It is pitched outside off, Santner has no issues leaving it alone.
69.3
1
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Southee is off the mark. Length ball outside off, Southee manages to guide it towards third man and gets to the other end.
69.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tim Southee, Good length ball on the stumps, Southee does well to defend it off the front foot.
Tim Southee is the new man in.
69.1
W
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, OUT! What a start this is for Sri Lanka! Lakmal steams in and bowls a loose ball outside off. Taylor, facing his first ball of the day goes for the cut shot but ends up getting a fat outside edge to the right of the keeper. Dickwella behind the stumps moves just a bit to his right and takes a simple catch. Dream start for the hosts, they wanted Taylor early and they have got just that.
Suranga Lakmal to partner Akila Dananjaya.
69
over
69 | 2 Runs |
HH: 205/5
68.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Shorter on off, Santner punches it to mid off to get through the first over of the day unharmed.
68.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Better line, tosses it up on the stumps, Santner blocks it.
68.4
2
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, First runs of the day. Short around off, Santner looks to cut but it goes off the thick outside edge of his bat, wide of slip. Due to heavy rains last night the outfield is relatively slow, So the ball does not get to the fence. Two taken by the batsmen.
68.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Flighted delivery on off and middle, Santner looks to defend but it comes off the inside edge of his bat onto the pads.
68.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Floated on middle and leg. Santner defends it off the front foot.
68.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Starts with a loopy delivery on off, Santner plants out his front foot and blocks it. Dickwella likes it as he shouts very well bowled to his colleague.
We are all set to begin. The Sri Lankan players are out in the huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. Overnight batsmen, Ross Taylor and Mitchell Santner stride out to the middle to resume their innings. Santner will be on strike. Akila Dananjaya to bowl the first over of the day. A slip and short leg in place.
Pitch Report - Kyle Mills is down doing the pitch report. Mills says that it was consistent on Day 1 and he expects it to be the same. Looking at the surface, Mills says that there are patches and the pitch will crumble as the day progresses, meaning that the footmarks will come into play.
Gritty runs, spinning track, a 5-fer for a spinner and rain. Barring the last, it was a proper subcontinent Test match. New Zealand started off slowly but steadily but the introduction of Akila Dananjaya turned the tide in Sri Lanka's favour. Ross Taylor though is still out there in the middle and he holds the key here for the Kiwis. With good amount of spin on offer, the hosts, will be looking to bundle out New Zealand under 250. Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of this 1st Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand as an exciting day of Test cricket awaits us at Galle.
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
AN EARLY START IS SCHEDULED AT 9.45 AM LOCAL (0415 GMT) come Thursday. This is of course, weather permitting. The forecast is very grim but hopefully, like it was proved wrong on Wednesday, it is proved incorrect again. New Zealand will look at Ross Taylor to do a Steve Smith and take them to 300. The Lankans on the other hand will look to wrap them up inside 250. Join us to see what happens. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Post Lunch, the Lankans seemed to be giving away the advantage through a 100-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls but like in the first session, Dananjaya struck with 15 minutes to Tea and got the Kiwis 5 down. After that, Rosco tried to counter-attack but rain had the final say.
Right. Whose day was it? Akila Dananjaya's? For sure. Ross Taylor's? Ummm... actually a good shout too! It seemed like a good toss to win when Kane Williamson called correctly and the 64-run stand for the opening wicket set the right tone. But then, with 15 minutes remaining in the first session, Akila Dananjaya struck, reducing the Black Caps to 71/3.
4.30 pm local (1100 GMT) - STUMPS IT IS! Given the storm that hit Galle, it was very difficult to see game resuming, that too, with the sun setting. The rain seems to have stopped but the whole ground is damp.
Update 1555 Local (1025 GMT) - Bad news for all of us. It has started to rain a bit heavily now and it does not look too good. Seems like it is a wet day in the world of cricket.
Oh no! The heavens have opened up once again, the players are off and they are replaced by the groundstaff out in the middle with the covers.
68
over
68 | 5 Runs |
HH: 203/5
67.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Better this. Floated on off, RT defends it to get through the over.
67.5
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Poor ball from Embuldeniya. He flights one down the leg side, Taylor gets down on one knee and sweeps it through the vacant backward square leg region for a boundary. 200 comes up for New Zealand with that.
67.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Once again Taylor comes down the track but this time he drives it back to the right of the bowler. Embuldeniya collects and Taylor rushes back inside his crease.
67.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor comes down the track and blocks it off the front foot.
67.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Flatter around off, Taylor defends it towards cover-point.
67.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up delivery on off, Santner strokes it towards long off and gets a single.
67
over
67 | 0 Runs |
HH: 198/5
66.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone.
66.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Around off, defended from the crease.
66.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, The batsman works it down the leg side.
66.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, Taylor looks to flick but misses and the ball goes off his pads to short leg. The Lankans appeal for a catch but there is no bat involved.
66.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Landed outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
66.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
66
over
66 | 5 Runs |
HH: 198/5
65.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
65.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
65.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, That ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads.
65.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and down the leg side, swept through square leg for a single.
65.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot.
65.1
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Taylor gets down and sweeps it behind square leg, beating the man at deep square leg to his right!
65
over
65 | 5 Runs |
HH: 193/5
64.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, punched off the back foot.
64.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Full and around off, driven back to the bowler.
64.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot for a run.
64.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, On middle, pushed towards long on for a single.
64.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
64.1
3
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies behind point. Three runs taken.
64
over
64 | 6 Runs |
HH: 188/5
63.6
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! MAGNIFICENT! Full and outside off, Santner leans and drives this through the covers!
63.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Around off, spinning in, Santner looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads.
63.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, watchfully defended.
63.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Tossed up outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it down the ground for a run.
63.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler.
63.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, short in length, punched through the covers for a single.
We are hearing that the official time for STUMPS is 5.18 pm (1148 GMT). If life permits, of course.
63
over
63 | 2 Runs |
HH: 182/5
62.6
1
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Full and outside off, Santner drives this down the ground for a run.
62.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, watchfully blocked out.
62.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, swept through square leg for a single.
62.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
62.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, pushed back defensively.
62.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
62
over
62 | 1 Runs |
HH: 180/5
61.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, blocked solidly.
61.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
61.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, left alone.
61.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Pushes this through mid on for a single.
61.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it back to the bowler.
Conditions are bright and sunny at the ground. Who would have thought it was raining?
61.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
61
over
61 | 1 Runs |
HH: 179/5
60.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Defends this from the crease.
60.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
60.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Outside off, watchfully blocked out.
60.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Mitchell Santner, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Welcome back for what should have been the start of the third session. But unfortunately, we are in for some delay. The ground is covered, or most parts of it as the ground staff is expecting some rain. Dark clouds have enveloped the stadium. It is not raining though and strong breeze is blowing across the ground. Just as we say that, a drizzle starts.
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
Less than 30 overs left in the day. This could be a make-or-break session for both teams. There is one hero on either side but both heroes need some support. It would be unfair on the Lankans to expect Akila to pick up all the 10 wickets while Rosco alone cannot be scoring runs for the Kiwis. If the Lankans can restrict the Black Caps under 250, they are very well within a shout. On the flip side, if the Kiwis cross 250 and get to 275 and above, boy, they can make the ball talk on this pitch as well. Join us back at 3 pm local (0930 GMT).
The session started poorly for the home side. They never looked like picking up a wicket and allowed the Taylor-Nicholls stand to flourish. And then, in the dying moments of the session, Akila sent back Nicholls and Watling in quick succession.
Identical session to the first! Nothing happening for more than three quarters of the session and then suddenly, bang bang. In the first, it was three wickets in the last 15 minutes before Lunch and in the second, it is two. Akila is single-handedly keeping the Lankans in the contest.
60.2
W
Akila Dananjaya to BJ Watling, OUT! LBW! Oh that is a dead duck. A short ball, outside off, Watling rocks back to pull but the ball stays low and hits him on the pads. Akila runs towards the keeper in celebration and then appeals. The umpire raises his finger after a thought. Watling has a look at his partner, has a chat but then Taylor indicates not to take a review. Fair call. Crashing into the stumps. Would have exhausted their reviews. 4th 5-fer for Akila in Test cricket. TEA ON DAY 1!
60.1
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Landed outside off, spinning in, pushed through mid on for a single.
60
over
60 | 5 Runs |
HH: 178/4
59.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to BJ Watling, Around off, solidly blocked out.
59.5
1
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
59.4
2
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple.
59.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, On middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
59.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
59.1
2
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a couple.
59
over
59 | 6 Runs |
HH: 173/4
58.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to BJ Watling, Down the leg side, helped in front of leg slip. Played that with soft hands.
58.5
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, On middle and off, Taylor flicks it through square leg for a run.
58.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to BJ Watling, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
58.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to BJ Watling, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
BJ Watling walks in at number 6, replacing Nicholls.
58.2
W
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, OUT! LBW! It is Akila again who has got a wicket. 4 out of 4! Full and around off, Nicholls looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. Akila appeals and appeals and eventually umpire Illingworth raises his finger! Nicholls has a look at his partner and Taylor straightaway asks him to go for the review. Not of much use. No inside edge or glove, three reds and the 100-run stand is broken. Fantastic knock though.
Review time! Nicholls has been adjudged LBW. He has taken the review though. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. Here comes Hawk Eye. Hitting leg stump. Very good decision. It is Akila again...
58.1
4
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Fractionally short, Nicholls goes back and drags this through mid-wicket. Kusal Perera gives it a chase from deep backward square leg and dives but in vain. 100-RUN STAND IS UP!
Akila Dananjaya is back on. 17-1-43-3 so far.
58
over
58 | 5 Runs |
HH: 167/3
57.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
57.5
2
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a brace.
57.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Outside off, driven straight back to the bowler.
57.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
57.2
2
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple.
57.1
1
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Yorker around middle, swinging in, Nicholls looks to dig it out but ekes an inside edge towards square leg.
57
over
57 | 5 Runs |
HH: 162/3
56.6
2
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor gently laps this past the keeper towards fine leg for a couple.
56.5
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Comes down the track again and bunts this towards long on for a run.
56.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Tossed up outside off, Nicholls comes down the track and hits this back to the bowler.
56.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
56.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
56.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
56
over
56 | 9 Runs |
HH: 157/3
55.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets an outside edge to short third man. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Replays show that had he hit, Taylor was a goner!
55.5
4
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, FOUR! That is a terrific shot. A half tracker, outside off, Taylor gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through mid-wicket. Akila Dananjaya tries to cut it off, puts in a despairing dive to his left but cannot even get to the ball.
55.4
1
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards gully where Kusal Mendis fumbles and concedes a single.
55.3
1
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, A short ball, on middle, pulled through backward square leg for a run.
55.2
1
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Another long hop, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
55.1
2
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple.
55
over
55 | 2 Runs |
HH: 148/3
54.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler.
54.5
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around middle, pushed towards mid on for a single.
54.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around off, worked towards short mid-wicket.
54.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls looks to push but misses.
54.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
54.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot back to the bowler.
54
over
54 | 4 Runs |
HH: 146/3
53.6
1
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, A length ball, around off, tucked through square leg for a run. HALF CENTURY FOR TAYLOR. One of his best knocks under pressure. He will aim to convert this into a century now.
53.5
0
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on.
53.4
1
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Around middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.
53.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
53.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
53.1
2
Lahiru Kumara to Henry Nicholls, Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a couple.
Lahiru Kumara returns. 6-1-14-0 so far.
53
over
53 | 5 Runs |
HH: 142/3
52.6
2
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge behind point. Two runs taken.
52.5
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, swept through mid-wicket for one.
52.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, eased through cover and point for a run.
52.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Around off, pushed towards cover.
52.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, this is swept powerfully through mid-wicket for a single.
52.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Massive, loud screeches for LBW. Nothing doing. Full and outside off, Nicholls gets well outside the line, looking to sweep. Misses but is hit on the shoulder miles outside off.
52
over
52 | 0 Runs |
HH: 137/3
51.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
51.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, This one jags back in, Rosco looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg.
51.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back towards the bowler.
51.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
51.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Pushes this towards mid on.
51.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
51
over
51 | 6 Runs |
HH: 137/3
50.6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Excellent stop by Kusal Mendis. Full and outside off, Taylor sweeps this powerfully through square leg but Kusal Mendis at short leg brings out excellent reflexes to stick out his left leg. Cannot stop the ball cleanly but concedes only a single.
50.5
2
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Short and outside off, cut behind point for a brace.
50.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, Henry gets down and sweeps this through mid-wicket. Very effective shot to the left-arm spinner. A single taken.
50.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Comes down the track and bunts it through mid on for a run.
50.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
50.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around middle, Nicholls gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a single.
Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 12-1-38-0 so far.
50
over
50 | 4 Runs |
HH: 131/3
49.6
1
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, On middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a run.
49.5
1
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Outside off, played through point for a single.
49.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Outside off, solidly defended.
49.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, solidly defended towards mid on.
49.2
2
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a couple.
49.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on.
DRINKS BREAK.
49
over
49 | 1 Runs |
HH: 127/3
48.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, well defended.
48.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Comes down the track and works it towards short mid-wicket.
48.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Fired in on middle, pushed towards cover.
48.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls lunges and takes his bat away.
48.2
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Short and around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
48.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Tossed up outside leg, Taylor pads it away.
48
over
48 | 1 Runs |
HH: 126/3
47.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, well kept out.
47.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, left alone.
47.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
47.3
1
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Gets across his stumps and looks to tuck but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes towards fine leg and a leg bye is taken.
47.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
47.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Outside off, Taylor looks to punch but gets a bottom edge to the off side.
47
over
47 | 3 Runs |
HH: 125/3
46.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Around off, pushed back to Dhananjaya again.
46.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
46.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Gets down, takes it on the full and paddles it through fine leg for a run.
46.3
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, MISCOMMUNICATION, SAFE! Big miss by Karunaratne. Outside off, Nicholls pushes it towards cover and sets off for a single. But then, he stutters and stops. Taylor starts and stops too, looking at that. Eventually, they decide to go through and Rosco is gone for all money but Karunaratne returns a wild throw to Dickwella, which is very wide to his right and Taylor gets in.
46.2
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Fired in on middle, pushed towards long on for a single.
46.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
46
over
46 | 5 Runs |
HH: 122/3
45.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
45.5
2
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls pushes it with soft hands and gets it through the slip cordon for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP. Excellent recovery.
45.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Henry Nicholls, Full and just around off, watchfully defended.
45.3
1
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Around off, worked wide of mid on for a single.
45.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
45.1
2
Suranga Lakmal to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor leans and drives this through the covers for a couple.
This was coming. With nothing happening after Lunch, Karunaratne has been forced to bring his pacers back on. Suranga Lakmal to bowl. 6-3-5-0 so far.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs |
HH: 117/3
44.6
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Eases this down to long on for a run.
44.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
44.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Fired in around off, punched towards mid on but short mid-wicket mops it up.
44.3
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
44.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Landed outside off, left alone.
44.1
2
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, More runs on the off side. This is short and outside off, Nicholls goes back and cuts it behind point. Lasith Embuldeniya chases it down from backward point and pulls it back in. Two runs taken.
44
over
44 | 4 Runs |
HH: 113/3
43.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
43.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, punched towards cover.
43.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Rosco comes down the track but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
43.3
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, FOUR! MURDERED! Fractionally short and around off, Taylor goes back and pulls it over short mid-wicket for a boundary!
43.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Landed around off, driven straight to short extra cover.
43.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs |
HH: 109/3
42.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards point.
42.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Landed outside off, punched towards cover.
42.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
42.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Henry Nicholls, Fired in around middle, Nicholls looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
42.2
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
42.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
Dhananjaya de Silva back on. 2-0-11-0 so far.
42
over
42 | 3 Runs |
HH: 108/3
41.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around middle, helped towards short leg.
41.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around off, solidly defended.
41.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it through mid on for one more.
41.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around middle and leg, helped through square leg for a run.
41.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, Taylor gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a single.
41.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
41
over
41 | 2 Runs |
HH: 105/3
40.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Plenty of loop outside off, Nicholls lunges to defend but ends up yorking himself.
40.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed to the leg side.
40.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Short and outside off, punched down to long on for another easy run. Sri Lanka just seem to be giving away the advantage at the moment.
40.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
40.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
40.1
1
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around middle, swept behind square leg for a single.
40
over
40 | 3 Runs |
HH: 103/3
39.6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Pushes this to long on for a run.
39.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
39.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Comes down the track and flicks it off the inner half but it flies wide of short leg.
39.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Around off, watchfully defended.
39.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Tossed up outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it through the covers where Dimuth Karunaratne at short extra cover dives to his right to take some sting off the ball. Parries it to long off and a run is taken.
39.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, A short ball, around leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs |
HH: 100/3
38.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
38.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Tossed up with hardly any pace outside off, Rosco defends it watchfully.
38.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
38.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards cover.
38.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Around off, worked towards short mid-wicket.
38.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Doosra from Akila, landing outside off, short in length, Taylor picks it up in a trice and looks to cut but is beaten by pace.
38
over
38 | 3 Runs |
HH: 100/3
37.6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Uses his feet this time to drive this towards long off for one. 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND.
37.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Slowly pushed through the air, around middle and leg, Taylor looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and goes on the bounce to short leg.
37.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around middle, pushed towards long on for a run.
37.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls goes back and defends.
37.2
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for a single.
37.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Flighted outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
37
over
37 | 4 Runs |
HH: 97/3
36.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
36.5
2
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, Nicholls gets down and sweeps it behind square leg. Lahiru Kumara chases it down from deep mid-wicket and dives to his left to stop the ball. Two runs taken.
36.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards long on for a run.
36.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, swept to deep square leg for a single.
36.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Slowly bowled through the air, on a fuller length around off, Henry comes forward to defend but is beaten by the massive off spin.
36.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, Nicholls lunges to defend.
36
over
36 | 6 Runs |
HH: 93/3
35.6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Now Nicholls comes down the track, takes this on the full and bunts this to long on for a run.
35.5
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, This is what happens when a batsman plays a shot similar to the one on the previous delivery. Mid off is pushed back. Why? Very bizarre. Rosco comes down the track and drives it towards long off for a comfortable single.
35.4
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, FOUR! IMPERIOUS! Taylor is at his best when he is looking to play such shots. Jumps down the track, gets to the pitch of this ball, which is flighted outside off on a fuller length and hammers it past the bowler to beat mid off.
35.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, eased towards the bowler on Taylor's off side.
35.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
35.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Hmmm.... this is how Taylor plays. Tossed up outside off, Rosco looks to play the cover drive with hard hands but misses. Niroshan Dickwella behind fumbles but takes it in the second attempt.
35
over
35 | 3 Runs |
HH: 87/3
34.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, HN looks to sweep but the ball hits his glove and goes off Niroshan Dickwella's boots towards first slip.
34.5
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, spinning in, worked towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
34.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Good fielding. Dananjaya drops this a bit short outside off and Henry goes back and punches it through the covers. Lasith Embuldeniya gives it a good chase from cover and slides to his left to keep the batsmen to a single.
34.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, That is a ripper. Akila lands this around middle, Nicholls goes back to defend but then the ball spins away past the outside edge.
34.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Goes back and turns it through square leg for a single.
34.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Slowly tossed up, outside off, watchfully defended.
34
over
34 | 3 Runs |
HH: 84/3
33.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, On middle and leg, turned towards square leg.
33.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
33.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
33.3
3
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around middle, Taylor comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. The ball stops near the ropes and Lahiru Kumara gets to it with a valiant chase. Three runs taken.
33.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Around off, watchfully pushed back.
33.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
33
over
33 | 6 Runs |
HH: 81/3
32.6
2
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls punches it towards cover. Dimuth Karunaratne fields and has a needless shy at the bowler's end, despite Taylor being well in his crease. Misses and by the time Angelo Mathews can track it down from mid-wicket, two runs are taken.
32.5
4
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Very good shot. Tossed up, around middle, Nicholls gets his big reach out, gets down and sweeps it in front of square on the leg side.
32.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Around middle, HN thrusts his pads in front and blocks this with the bat to the leg side.
32.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Landed outside off, Henry is squared up and pushes it awkwardly to the off side.
32.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Tossed up, outside off, pushed towards the bowler.
32.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls comes forward and shoulders arms to one spinning away.
32
over
32 | 4 Runs |
HH: 75/3
31.6
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, FOUR! HAMMERED! Full and around middle, Taylor gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket!
31.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Rosco comes down the track and drives it towards cover.
31.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Excitement all around but nothing from the umpire. Full and outside leg, Taylor gets down to sweep but misses. The ball hits his pads and is taken by Kusal Mendis at short leg but there is not much of an appeal.
31.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder makes a good stop to his left.
31.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on.
31.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Lasith Embuldeniya to continue from the other end. 5-1-12-0 so far.
31
over
31 | 1 Runs |
HH: 71/3
30.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed back to AD.
30.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Quicker outside off, the southpaw is solid in defense from his crease.
30.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, A touch short, Henry goes back and pushes it back to Akila once again.
30.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, nice pace and flight, Nicholls pushes it back to the bowler.
Welcome back after the break. Boy, have we waited and waited for Lunch to end! Excited to see the ball spin and make heads turn. Do New Zealand have any fightback plan? Henry Nicholls to join Ross Taylor in the middle.
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
Hard to explain New Zealand's state of mind for now. They did all the hard part, seeing off the new ball and would have seen off the session as well but spin did them in. 71/3 looks so different from 64/0. In fact, it looks devastating. The Lankans will now be smiling because this is their territory. Spin it like a cobra and sting the opponents. They will hope to run through the middle order after the break. Join us back at 12.40 pm local (0710 GMT) for the second session.
Akila Dananjaya was bowling against the wind in his first spell and after 2 overs, he changed ends, which immediately bore fruit. He got the ball to land in the right areas and caused doubts in the minds of the batsmen. That indecision caused Latham to think twice before playing or not playing, while Williamson spooned one to the leg side and in the final over before Lunch, Raval edged one behind. Akila, along with the turn but more because of his variations, has eked out all the three wickets.
When Kane Williamson called it correctly this morning at the toss, it seemed like half the battle was won. And when the Black Caps added 64 without losing a wicket, it did look like a long day was in store for the Lankans, with nothing much on offer. But that is the beauty of Test cricket. For minutes and hours, it seems like nothing is happening and when it eventually starts to happen, you cannot believe it has happened. Something similar has occurred here.
Wow. Wow-o-wow-o-w. After 105 minutes of snooze fest, where nothing much was going the bowling team's way, all of a sudden, in the span of 15 minutes, Akila Dananjaya has brought the game to life. Two set batsmen and one synonym to a glue which cannot be separated, have been sent back to the pavilion. Boy, this game is alive and kicking.
30.2
W
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, OUT! Edged and taken! Third wicket down in the span of 16 minutes! What a spur of life this mini-spell has brought about. Full and outside off, Raval lunges to defend but the ball hits the pitch and Jeet expects it to spin away. Hence, to miss it. But this is the doosra. It comes in, takes the outside edge and goes low to first slip where Dhananjaya de Silva takes it by coming forward. LUNCH ON DAY 1!
30.1
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Short and outside off, Taylor cuts it through point where Lahiru Kumara dives to his left and makes a half-stop. A quick single taken.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs |
HH: 70/2
29.6
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and around off, Rosco flicks it through mid-wicket where Angelo Mathews dives and parries it wide of mid on. A run taken.
29.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
29.4
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Around off, spinning in, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
29.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
29.2
3
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Full and down the leg side, Rosco gets down and sweeps it fine. Akila Dananjaya gives it a good chase and flicks it back in, with a dive near the boundary. Three runs taken.
29.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Ross Taylor, Landed outside off, Taylor goes back and plays it with the away spin towards cover.
29
over
29 | 1 Runs |
HH: 65/2
28.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
28.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
28.4
1
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Landed outside off, spinning down, Rosco goes back and tucks it past leg slip for a single.
28.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Outside off, flicked straight to short leg where Kusal Mendis quickly flicks it back to the keeper. Dickwella takes the bails off but Taylor is in.
28.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, The wrong 'un now, outside off, RT picks it and looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
28.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor goes back to defend but the ball skids on after pitching and squared Rosco up, going off the outside edge towards cover.
28
over
28 | 0 Runs |
HH: 64/2
27.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
27.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Outside off, Raval goes back and defends it from his crease.
27.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Outside off, punched towards cover.
27.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
27.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, Raval lunges and pushes it back to the bowler.
27.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Around off, punched off the back foot.
Ross Taylor walks in at number 4, replacing his skipper.
27
over
27 | 1 Runs |
HH: 64/2
26.6
W
Akila Dananjaya to Kane Williamson, OUT! Caught! Second wicket in the over and the Kiwi captain is gone for a duck. Big, big blow. The match has spun big time. From going nowhere, sending people into dreams with yawns, now, with a quarter of an hour to go to Lunch, everyone has been stirred awake. Landed outside off, Williamson comes forward initially, but then goes back, looking to work it into the leg side. He cannot keep it down and finds Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket who takes it easily! Sri Lanka have their tail up now.
26.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Kane Williamson, Around middle and off, worked towards mid-wicket.
26.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Kane Williamson, Full and outside off, pushed towards mid off.
With around 15 minutes left for Lunch, Kane Williamson strides out to the middle, at number 3.
26.3
W
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, OUT! Caught behind! Akila Dananjaya has provided the first breakthrough of this Test. A bit of an indecision from Latham here. Landed around off, Tom goes back to defend but then looks to withdraw his bat as an afterthought. Is caught in no man's land as he does a bit of both and hangs his bat midway. The ball pitches, turns and takes a feather of an outside edge behind. Niroshan Dickwella collects and leaps in celebration. The umpire raises his finger and Latham does not wait. End of a 64-run stand.
26.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Outside leg, this time Jeet plays it straighter, pushing it towards mid on for a quick single.
26.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Tossed up around leg stump, Raval looks to flick it to the leg side but the ball spins away and takes the leading edge towards cover.
26
over
26 | 1 Runs |
HH: 63/0
25.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on.
25.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on.
25.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards the bowler.
25.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Around middle and leg, flicked wide of mid on for a single.
25.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Full and around middle and leg, worked to the leg side.
25.1
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Around off, worked towards short leg.
25
over
25 | 1 Runs |
HH: 62/0
24.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
24.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Around leg and middle, spinning away, pushed back to the bowler.
24.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Tossed up around off, Tom comes forward and blocks it out to the off side this time.
24.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Thrown up outside off, Latham comes forward and pushes it towards short leg.
24.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, THAT STAYS LOW. It is on a length, spinning away from off, Jeet adjusts well on the back foot to punch it through the covers for a single.
24.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, Raval lunges to defend.
24
over
24 | 4 Runs |
HH: 61/0
23.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
23.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Goes back and blocks this one.
23.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
23.3
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
23.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Landed outside off, Latham looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and wears it on his pads.
23.1
4
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, FOUR! Short and outside off, Latham goes back and cuts it behind point for a boundary!
23
over
23 | 4 Runs |
HH: 57/0
22.6
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Safe as a house. Full and outside off, Latham lunges to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to short third man. Latham is doubtful about the run but Raval always wanted it and calls him through. Kusal Mendis fires a direct hit at the striker's end and it is referred upstairs. But replays show that Raval is well in.
Direct hit! Is this the first breakthrough? Nope. The replays show that Raval is well in.
22.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
22.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Outside off, left alone.
22.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
22.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
22.1
2
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Very nicely played. Landed outside off, Raval goes back and plays it very late past first slip towards third man for a couple.
22
over
22 | 2 Runs |
HH: 53/0
21.6
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
21.5
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Around off, watchfully blocked out.
21.4
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
21.3
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, Outside off, tapped to the off side for a quick run.
21.2
0
Lasith Embuldeniya to Jeet Raval, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
21.1
1
Lasith Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lasith Embuldeniya now. Bowls left-arm spin.
21
over
21 | 5 Runs |
HH: 51/0
20.6
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, On middle and leg, helped through the leg side for a single.
20.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
20.4
4
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, FOUR! Nicely played. Full and around off, Latham gets down and sweeps it through square leg.
20.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
20.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended
20.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
20
over
20 | 8 Runs |
HH: 46/0
19.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, On middle and leg, worked towards short mid-wicket.
19.5
4
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, FOUR! Interesting choice of a shot. Tossed up outside off, Raval leans and lofts this over wide mid off for a boundary! Are these signs of wanting to take the spinners on?
19.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
19.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
19.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, Outside off, punched to the off side.
19.1
4
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, FOUR! LOVELY! Full and outside off, Raval leans and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary!
19
over
19 | 4 Runs |
HH: 38/0
18.6
2
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a couple.
18.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers where Karunaratne makes a good stop.
18.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
18.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Short and outside off, Raval cuts it through the covers where the fielder makes a good stop to his right. A run taken.
18.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Gets down, takes this on the full and paddles it fine down the leg side for a single.
18.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
18
over
18 | 3 Runs |
HH: 34/0
17.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, Around off, pushed towards cover.
17.5
2
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, Full and down the leg side, Jeet gets down and paddles it past the keeper towards fine leg. Two runs taken.
17.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jeet Raval, Around off, watchfully defended.
17.3
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Tom Latham, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
17.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Tom Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
17.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Tom Latham, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
Dhananjaya de Silva to bowl now.
17
over
17 | 3 Runs |
HH: 31/0
16.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
16.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and outside off, Jeet lunges to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge.
16.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
16.3
3
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Down the leg side, helped through mid-wicket. Mid on gets to the ball to stop when it has already stopped and parries it back to mid-wicket. Three runs taken.
16.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Outside off, Tom looks to push but misses. Extravagant turn.
16.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, Latham looks to defend but misses.
16
over
16 | 5 Runs |
HH: 28/0
15.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Outside off, left alone.
15.5
1
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, On a length around off, TL taps it wide of mid on and takes a quick single.
15.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
15.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Outside off, let through.
15.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Down the leg side, Tom misses his flick and is hit on the pads.
15.1
4
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, FOUR! Fine shot. Just the second boundary of the morning. Outside off, Latham leans and punches it through the covers.
15
over
15 | 2 Runs |
HH: 23/0
14.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Landed outside off, punched towards cover.
14.5
2
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Landed outside off, guided through third man for a couple.
14.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, One more leave outside off.
14.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Outside off, left alone.
14.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Landed around off, Jeet looks to defend but the ball spins past the outside edge.
14.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
DRINKS BREAK.
14
over
14 | 1 Runs |
HH: 21/0
13.6
1
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Full and around middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for one.
13.5
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Pitched outside leg, 145 kph, JR is beaten by pace as he looks to flick and is hit on the pads.
13.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Make that four bouncers in a row, Jeet sways away from the line.
13.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Third bouncer on the trot, swayed away now.
13.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Another bouncer, ducked under this time.
13.1
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, A short ball, around off, Raval sways away.
13
over
13 | 2 Runs |
HH: 20/0
12.6
2
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, A touch short, down the leg side, helped through square leg for a couple.
12.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Lovely bowling. Slower through the air, landing outside off, Tom looks to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge.
12.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, Latham looks to paddle but misses. It is a good thing that Niroshan Dickwella caught that. Because had he missed, Dhananjaya de Silva, at first slip, in his excitement to get to the ball in case Latham connected, had gone too far across and had to change track. Slipped.
12.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
12.2
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
12.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, spinning away, left alone.
No surprises. Akila Dananjaya swaps ends now. 2-0-4-0 so far.
12
over
12 | 2 Runs |
HH: 18/0
11.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Outside off, punched to the off side.
11.5
2
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Misfield from the skipper. Full and outside off, Jeet drives it down the ground. Dimuth Karunaratne at mid off quickly gets across to his left but while trying to field the ball, he misjudges it and the cherry goes off his body behind. He quickly gets up and chases it down, preventing a boundary but two runs are taken by then.
11.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Fuller in length, driven straight down the ground but without any timing. Mid on cuts it off.
11.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, A bouncer, dug in at halfway down the pitch, Raval watches it closely and sways away in time.
11.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Landed around middle, angling away, left alone.
11.1
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Lahiru Kumara gets a change of ends, replacing Akila Dananjaya. He will be bowling with the wind now. 3-1-6-0 so far.
11
over
11 | 1 Runs |
HH: 16/0
10.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
10.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, On a length outside off, coming in, watchfully defended.
10.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, first mistake from TL as he looks to push at a wider one and is beaten. This is due to that inward movement on the no ball which was not a no ball earlier in the over...
10.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, Tom takes his bat away from the line.
10.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
10.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Outside off, left alone.
10.1
1
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Good bowling but Lakmal oversteps. NO BALL. It was a decent nut, angling in from outside off, Latham looked to defend but was cut into half by the late movement. Ahh... replays show that Lakmal had something behind the line. Tough luck.
10
over
10 | 2 Runs |
HH: 15/0
9.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
9.5
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.
9.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, Tom looks to paddle again but this time the ball takes the under edge and goes wide of short leg. TL looks for a single but leg slip quickly gets across and Raval sends his partner back.
9.3
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Landed around off, a bit of loop, watchfully pushed towards point.
9.2
1
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, paddled past short leg for a single.
9.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Tossed up around off, Latham comes forward and defends it in front of short leg.
9
over
9 | 0 Runs |
HH: 13/0
8.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, A length ball outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
8.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards cover.
8.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Oohhh... saved by the bounce! On a good length outside off, Latham shoulders arms. But the ball swings in a long way and goes just over the stumps! Would have hit them, had it not been for the bounce.
8.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Back of a length this time, well blocked out.
8.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, On a length, just outside off, coming in, watchfully pushed towards cover.
8.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, On a length wide outside off, shouldered arms to.
8
over
8 | 3 Runs |
HH: 13/0
7.6
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Down the leg side, Jeet goes back and works it straight to short leg.
7.5
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Tossed up, around off, Raval lunges and pushes this back to Akila.
7.4
0
Akila Dananjaya to Jeet Raval, Full and just outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
7.3
1
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad. They pick up a single. Leg byes given by the umpire.
7.2
2
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around leg, paddled through fine leg for a couple.
7.1
0
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around leg and middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Aha! Here we go. Spin introduced within 35 minutes! Akila Dananjaya into the attack.
7
over
7 | 2 Runs |
HH: 10/0
6.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Outside off, punched towards cover.
6.5
2
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a couple.
6.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Better ball. Outside off, at an angle which can cause the batsman to play, from around the wicket, but Raval lets it go.
6.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Outside off, pushed straight to cover.
6.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Another one down the leg side.
6.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Some change of angle but the line is still poor. Down the leg side, left alone.
6
over
6 | 5 Runs |
HH: 8/0
5.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Very full, around off, pushed towards mid on.
5.5
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Outside off, on a length, let through.
5.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
5.3
1
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, On middle, helped past short leg for a single.
5.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, On middle and leg, tucked to the leg side.
5.1
4
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, FOUR! Nice shot. Full and around off, Raval leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary!
5
over
5 | 0 Runs |
HH: 3/0
4.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Outside off, left alone again.
4.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and around middle, flicked towards mid-wicket.
4.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Yawn. Full. Wide. Does the area matter? Not to either of the batsmen. Anyways, just so that you can picture how the action happened, this was outside off. Left alone.
4.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Another leave outside off.
4.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, A length ball outside off, but too wide. Calmly left alone.
4.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, On a length outside off, left alone.
4
over
4 | 1 Runs |
HH: 3/0
3.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, This is full again, almost a yorker, dug out back to Kumara once more.
3.5
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Very full, around off, pushed back to the bowler.
3.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Jeet Raval, Outside off, Jeet guides it towards third man, with soft hands but Kusal Mendis at second slip dives to his left and makes a brilliant stop.
3.3
1
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Full and down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single.
3.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
3.1
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Full and down the leg side, pitching outside leg, Latham looks to flick but misses. Is hit outside leg as well as the LBW cries of the Lankans die down pretty quickly.
3
over
3 | 0 Runs |
HH: 2/0
2.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Outside off, Jeet taps it towards cover and sets off for a single but is sent back as three fielders come charging in.
2.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, On a length outside off, coming in, punched straight to cover.
2.4
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Another wide ball outside off, Jeet is not interested.
2.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Full and outside off, wide again, let through once more.
2.2
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Outside off, a touch wide, coming in but not bothering the batsman, shouldered arms to.
2.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Excellent delivery. On a length outside off, from around the stumps, coming in a long way off the deck, Raval looks to defend but is beaten by the movement. Gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs |
HH: 2/0
1.6
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, A bouncer but down the leg side, calmly ducked under.
1.5
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Full and straight, well blocked out.
1.4
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, On a length around middle and leg, angling away, Latham watchfully shoulders arms.
1.3
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Outside off, punched towards cover.
1.2
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
1.1
0
Lahiru Kumara to Tom Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Lahiru Kumara to share the new ball with Lakmal.
1
over
1 | 2 Runs |
HH: 2/0
0.6
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Full and around off, Suranga switching to around the wicket, watchfully defended. A good opening over from Lakmal.
0.5
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Bizarre from umpire Illingworth. Down the leg side, Jeet looked to tuck it away but missed and the ball went off his thighs behind. Niroshan Dickwella dived to his right and got a glove to it, parrying it towards fine leg and taking some pace off it. The batsmen took a single but the umpire signalled a dead ball! Probably he felt that Raval was not offering a shot but replays do not seem to indicate so.
0.4
1
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, NOT FAR FROM SHORT LEG! Heart-in-mouth moment for Latham. Down the leg side, Tom tucks it aerially and just wide of short leg. A run taken to get both the openers off the mark.
0.3
0
Suranga Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, no swing on this one, left alone.
0.2
1
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, Good running. Around off, Raval pushes this towards cover and sets off quickly. The fielders are caught off guard and a single is easily taken. The Test match scoreboard starts ticking.
0.1
0
Suranga Lakmal to Jeet Raval, On the money right away. Full and around off, swinging in, watchfully defended.
That's 'Namo, Namo, Namo, Namo Matha' done and we are all set to begin. Nice breeze blowing across the ground and should assist the seamers. Tom Latham and Jeet Raval are the openers for the Kiwis, with the latter on strike. Suranga Lakmal will start off proceedings for this day, match, series and tour. Straightaway, a short leg in place, along with two slips. Here we go. Let's play, mates!
Right. The players are out in the middle with some new clothing as the number and name gets printed on their white shirts. Something new, which was started in the Ashes a fortnight ago. Time for the national anthems. New Zealand's first, followed by Sri Lanka's.
Sri Lanka Playing XI - Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara.
New Zealand Playing XI - Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, William Somerville, Trent Boult and Ajaz Patel.
Sri Lankan captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, says that he too, was looking to bat first as the track usually turns a lot but now, wants to bowl well first and take early wickets. On the new faces in the side, Dimuth says that they did well in South Africa and wants them to do their basics right and compete hard. Informs that Lakmal and Kumara are playing and the spin options are Akila, Dhananjaya and Embuldeniya.
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, says that it looks a good surface to bat, hence the reason. Admits that rain has robbed them of practice but backs his experienced guys to do well on a challenging surface. On Test cricket not being played since February for the Kiwis, Kane says that it is how the international calendar goes. Informs that Colin de Grandhomme misses out for this game.
TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Kane Williamson calls Tails and Tails it is. NEW ZEALAND WILL BAT FIRST. That is half the battle won.
PITCH REPORT - Russell Arnold observing the track says that it seems a very good-looking one but very different from the usual Galle one, citing plenty of grass, which could assist seam bowling early on. But from Day 3, spinners should take control.
WEATHER - It was raining the whole of Tuesday and even on match day but at the time of game start, bright sunshine appeared. But the forecast says rain for all the five days.
As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they have been struggling with the white ball but with the red ball, they have not been that bad. They beat South Africa at home, then the West Indies away and the Proteas away again. The last one was without that champion, Rangana Herath and that victory should certainly boost their spirits. Here they are, at their fortress, Galle.
The Black Caps enter this series on the back of 5 successive Test series wins and if we extend that to 7 in the last 8, it just showcases their dominance. However, only one of those 8 has come outside Kiwiland, hence, this will be a big test of Kane Williamson and his men's character.
Aha... that smell of the morning wet mud on the ground. The sight of the wet grass which has just been watered. The sun shining high in the sky. And... red ball! Woohoo! Test cricket. After days and weeks and months of continuous white-ball cricket, the red-ball stuff comes into focus. Yes, the Ashes have already begun but from this day, we could see a plethora of red-ball games, something which this sport badly needs to avoid imbalance. It is Sri Lanka and New Zealand to kickstart the Test championship in Asia, with the Aussie and the Brits already inagurating it. Who will win? Sri Lanka? New Zealand? Rain? Oops... certainly not the last, we hope. Hello and a warm welcome to the opening day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle.